Shannon Medical Center | Health Beat | Fall 2018

6 HEALTH BEAT Women’s health We have primary care providers and OB-GYNs on staff who are accepting new patients. Visit shannonhealth.com to find your new provider. Noncancerous breast conditions What you need to know T he most important fact to know about benign (noncancerous) breast conditions: They’re very common. So common, in fact, that most women have them. Usually, these conditions go away on their own or are easily treated. Some benign breast conditions may only be found during a mammogram or other imaging procedure. But others can cause symptoms similar to breast cancer and need to be properly diagnosed. And a few may raise your risk of getting breast cancer. Here’s a look at some of the most fre- quent benign breast changes. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute What it is/ symptoms Breast lumpiness, tenderness and swell- ing. These symptoms often start right before a menstrual period and improve when it ends. Treatment Your doctor may suggest that you take pain medicine, apply hot or cold compresses, or wear a sports bra. What it is/ symptoms Solid, round rubbery lumps that move easily in breast tissue when pushed. Treatment These lumps usually go away. But if one is painful or growing, your doctor may surgically remove it. What it is/symptoms A breast infection that typically happens during breastfeeding. Your breast may be warm, red and painful in a specific area. You may also have flu-like symptoms. Treatment Your doc- tor will prescribe antibiotics. What it is/symptoms A firm, usually painless lump that may appear after a breast injury. Treatment These lumps usually don’t require treatment. But your doctor may suggest a biopsy to diagnose it. What it is/symptoms An overgrowth of the cells that line the ducts or milk glands inside the breast. It usually doesn’t cause a lump, but it can cause changes seen on a mam- mogram. Hyperplasia can affect your breast cancer risk—but how much depends on the type of hyperplasia. The mild form doesn’t increase the risk of breast cancer. But moderate or atypical forms do. Treatment The condition is diagnosed with a biopsy. If results reveal a worrisome type of hyperplasia, your doctor may remove more breast tissue around the area to make sure there isn’t any nearby cancer. What it is/symptoms Fluid-filled sacs that may feel like soft grapes. Some- times they’re painful, often before periods. Treatment If a cyst is painful, your doctor may draw out the fluid. If it’s chronic, your doc- tor may surgically remove it. What it is/ symptoms A small wart- like growth, usually close to the nipple. It may cause pain, a lump or nipple discharge. A single one won’t raise your breast cancer risk, though multiple ones may. Treatment Your doctor will likely remove this growth and biopsy it. H y p e r p l a s i a C y s t s F i b r o c y s t i c b r e a s t c h a n g e s F a t n e c r o s i s I n t r a d u c t a l p a p i l l o m a F i b r o a d e n o m a M a s t i t i s