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Women’s health & fitness guide

Finding a lump or any change to the breast has to be the number one nightmare for all women, but the good news is that most changes to the breast and indeed most lumps are normal and they can happen for several different reasons. The most common reasons these changes occur are during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and with normal ageing, the most common changes to the breast which are benign are:

• Cysts – these are sacs that are filled with fluid.
• General breast lumpiness.
• Fibroadenomas – these are firm round, painless lumps which are movable.
• Fat necrosis – which is damaged fat tissue.
• Intraductal papillomas – this is growth inside the ducts.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• Mastalgia – this is general breast pain.
• Mastitis – this is an infection of the breast.
• Nipple discharge.
• Thrombophlebitis – which are inflammation of the blood vessels.

Most women on finding there is a change or there breasts feel sore without any clear indication such as their menstrual cycle will panic and immediately think of breast cancer especially if lumps or bumps are detected, while most causes are benign care should always be taken and you should ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Could the breast pain be related to your menstrual cycle?
• Do you think your problem could be related to any medication you are taking; did you recently take any new medication?
• Has the breast changed in size or feel or do you have a lump?

If of course your period is near then the change will most likely be your period so just keep an eye on your breasts, the problem will more than likely correct itself once you get your period or just after. If you have been taking any medication then it is probably due to that, if you are concerned about a lump you have found or any other changes in breast size or tenderness then while it is probably nothing more than one of the reasons listed above it might be wise to check with your doctor if for nothing more than your peace of mind.

Preparing to see your Doctor

If you are at all worried then please see your doctor, this will give you peace of mind and rule out anything serious, here are some tips to help you on your visit and some questions your doctor might ask you:

• Explain the symptoms in as much detail as you can.
• How long have you had the symptoms, have they changed?
• Do your breasts normally change during your menstrual cycle?
• How old are you and what is your general health like?
• Are your periods regular?
• Could you be pregnant?
• Do you have children, did you breast feed them?
• Have you ever had mastitis or a blocked duct?
• Does anyone in your family have benign lumps or breast cancer?
• Have you ever had a cyst on your breast and had fluid drained?
• Have you ever had a mammogram?

While you are waiting to see your doctor try to remain calm and not worry too much most breast problems are not related to cancer and once your doctor has given you an examination then treatment if necessary can be given easily and in most cases the problem returns to normal.