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Jane showered, getting to ready to go out with her friends having chosen the perfect dress for the night. She dressed in front of her mirror, but then, she noticed something abnormal near her right nipple. She placed her hand over it and felt an abnormal mass. It was round, smooth, with a firm border lump. The entire night she was out, she couldn’t stop thinking of the lump. “Is it cancerous?”
Most breast cancer patients detect their initial symptoms similar to the way Jane did. In this article, we’re going to talk about the different kinds of breast lumps. Know your lumps and keep abreast of Breast Cancer are 2 steps that can save your life!
Know your lumps, Keep Abreast of Breast Cancer
Not all breast lumps are malignant, or cancerous. Most breast lumps – 80% of those biopsied- are benign (non-cancerous). Following are the most common breast conditions which produce lumps.
Fibrocystic Changes
Fibrocystic changes are an exaggerated response of breast tissue to changes of ovarian hormones. When a woman undergoes ovulation, the normal hormones produced during the period cause the development of fibrous lumps or small multiple cysts. Fibrocystic changes are most common between the age of 20 to 50. Tenderness and size of these lumps increase before menstruation and decreases after it ends. They can range from very small (between to 2.5cm to 5cm) to large where it can be uncomfortable or painful due to the pressure it puts on other tissues.
Fibrocystic lumps may not be cancerous but may require surgery if it is too painful or bothersome.
Fibroadenomas
These are benign tumours. They are solid lumps of fibrous and glandular tissue. These lumps are responsible for most of suspected cancer/tumour for women under 25 years old. They are generally round and firm with smooth borders. They can get tender, just before menstruation. Often, they will go away spontaneously.
Papilloma
Differentiate papilloma from other lumps by squeezing your breast. Intraductal papilloma are wart-like growths that produce clear or bloody discharges. They are developed in the ducts of the breast.
Often, surgery is needed in order to remove the papilloma and the affected part of milk duct. Tissues removed during surgery will be tested for presence of cancerous cells. Further treatment is needed if cancerous cells are present.
Breast cancer
Lumps that are usually hard or firm with irregular shape are usually cancerous tumours. Another key difference between cancerous tumours and other lumps is that the cancer lump would feel stuck to the skin or deep tissue within the breast.
Other indications of breast cancer lumps:
- one breast may become larger or lower than the other,
- a nipple shape could become inverted,
- a rash on or around a nipple,
- nipple discharge,
- constant pain in part of the breast or armpit,
- swelling beneath the armpit or around collar bone
If malignant breast tumours are not detected and treated early, they will continue to grow, invading and destroying adjacent normal tissue. If they progress, they will spread to surrounding lymph nodes, such as the armpit or around collarbone. This is called metastasis, where the cancer cells will break away from the tumour and spread through the lymph system and bloodstream.
What can you do?
Most breast cancer patients detect their breast cancer tumour just like how Jane did: breast self-examination. Know your lumps, keep abreast of breast cancer! Here is a simple guideline on how you can carry out a breast self-examination:
- Look in a mirror, check the size, shape and colour. Look for visible swellings or lumps.
- Raise the arms and repeat step 1.
- Check for any discharge from the nipples that may be watery , milky, yellow, or with blood.
- Feel the breasts with a firm, smooth motion while lying down, including under the arms and down to the ribcage.
- Repeat step 4 while standing or sitting. This may be easier in the shower.
Even though most breast lumps are benign, anything abnormal should be checked by a doctor. A doctor would recommend doing a mammogram. A mammogram may sound scary, but mammogram is just an x-ray of the breast. Here’s a simple video regarding a mammogram:
Zalora Thread claimed on their article, published on 1st October 2018, that “Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Malaysia.” Ladies, let this not be a fact. Detecting and treating breast cancer early has very good prognosis. Put your mind at ease and get yourself checked. Don’t be like Jane.
If you would like to make an appointment with an oncologist:
Find a oncologist in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find an oncologist in Singapore, on GetDoc
Reference
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
https://cancer.stonybrookmedicine.edu/breast-cancer-team/patients/bse/breastlumps
https://www.healthline.com/health/intraductal-papilloma#treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/186084.php
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by Azim Nasaruddin
A junior doctor, currently 'slaving' in a Hospital in Johor Bahru, determined to increase health awareness to the Malaysian public through his love and passion in medicine and writing. "“For he who has health has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.” – Owen Arthur View all articles by Azim Nasaruddin.
