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Beneign Breast Issues
Benign breast issues are problems in the breast that are not cancerous. They may either resolve on their own or be easily treated. The most common benign breast issues include cysts, benign tumors, and infections. It is important to undergo regular examinations, such as breast self-exams, clinical exams, and mammograms, to maintain breast health. Benign breast issues are often hormone-related and occur in women before menopause. If a woman is in menopause and notices breast issues or changes, she should see her doctor to rule out a possible breast cancer diagnosis. Benign breast issues can present as pain or lumps and can be detected through mammography and/or ultrasound.
It is important to take any breast changes seriously and seek medical evaluation.
I have listed benign breast issues and their possible causes below, however I take no responsibility for their complete accuracy. The listing is merely for informational purposes and does not replace a visit to the doctor.
Breast Pain
Potential causes
Menstrual cycle-dependent pain: Many women experience breast pain before or during their period. This can be attributed to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle.
Muscular tension: Chest pain can also be caused by tension in the chest muscles or surrounding muscles. This can be triggered by poor posture, excessive exercise, or stress.
Breast inflammation: An inflammation of the breast glands, also known as mastitis, can lead to chest pain. This often occurs in breastfeeding women but can also happen in non-breastfeeding individuals.
Cysts: Fluid-filled cysts in the breast can cause pain. These cysts are usually benign and often disappear on their own.
Benign breast tumors
Potential causes
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes in the body can affect the growth of benign breast tumors. For example, fluctuations in the hormones estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can increase the risk of developing fibroadenomas.
Genetic predisposition: There are some genetic factors that can increase the risk of benign breast tumors. For example, women with a family history of fibroadenomas or other benign breast tumors have a higher risk of developing them.
Age and hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Age can also play a role, as benign breast tumors are more common in younger women. In addition, the use of hormone replacement therapy during menopause may increase the risk of developing benign breast tumors.
Cysts
Potential causes
Breast cysts can be associated with hormones. They are most common in women of childbearing age and before menopause. They can change with the menstrual cycle. Not every woman has breast cysts, but many can develop them. Since they can be related to hormones, the occurrence of breast cysts cannot be prevented. Most breast cyst issues resolve during menopause when hormone levels decrease.
Breast inflammation
Potential causes
Mastitis can occur for various reasons. It is most common in breastfeeding women and occurs when a milk duct becomes blocked and infected. If you smoke, you are susceptible to periductal mastitis, an inflammation and infection around the nipple. This may be related to the effects of smoking on blood vessels. If you have diabetes, you are prone to mastitis due to poor circulation. Diabetes leads to narrowing of small blood vessels over time and can result in infections.
Benign breast changes
Most women experience changes in their breasts at various times in their lives.
Before or during your menstruation, your breasts may be swollen, tender, or painful. During this time, you may also feel more lumps in your breasts due to extra fluid. Your doctor may ask you to come back at a later point in your menstrual cycle to see if the lump has changed.
During pregnancy your breasts may feel lumpy. This is usually due to an increase and enlargement of the milk glands.
As you approach menopause, your hormone levels undergo changes. This can result in increased sensitivity in your breasts, even if you're not menstruating. Your breasts may also feel lumpier than before.
If you're taking hormones (such as hormone replacement therapy during menopause, birth control pills, or injections), your breasts may become denser. This can make it more challenging to interpret a mammogram. It's essential to inform your doctor if you're taking hormones.
After menopause, your hormone levels decrease. It's possible that any knots, pain, or discharge that were present before may disappear.
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