Swelling or other changes in the breast are common. Most such changes are not cancer. However, it is very important for you to have the tests requested by your doctor in order to evaluate your situation in more detail.
Changes in the breast
If you notice a change in the appearance of your breast, you should consult your doctor immediately. Do not wait until the next mammogram date. Mammography is a test that can show even the smallest changes in the breast and should be routinely performed as recommended by your physician according to your age.
We can list the changes seen in the breast as follows:
1. Swelling or feeling of hardness:
• Swelling in or around the breast
• Swelling under the armpit
• Underarm or thick or hard tissue in or around the breast
• Change in the shape or size of the breast
The swellings are of different size and shape. Most swellings seen are not cancer. When you notice swelling in one of your breasts, do not forget to check your other breast. If it is the same in both breasts, this may be normal. Normal breast tissue can sometimes be lumpy. Some women regularly perform breast self-exams. This examination will help them learn what the normal breast is like and easily spot any changes. Of course, breast self-exam is not a substitute for mammography.
2. Nipple discharge or change in shape:
• Nipple discharge
• Bloody fluid
• Nipple shape change (such as inward collapse of the nipple)
The discharge from the nipple may be of different color and structure. It can be said that this discharge is not usually a sign of cancer. Birth control pills, certain medications, and infection can also cause this discharge. For this reason, you should consult a doctor without wasting time to find out the exact cause.
3. Changes in the skin
• Breast skin itching, redness, scaly appearance, pitting or shrinkage
Changes that are considered normal in the breast:
Most women experience changes in their breasts throughout their lives. Many of these changes are due to hormones or causes that are considered normal during the aging process. Also, most of these changes are not cancerous and are called benign changes. However, if you notice any change, you should consult your doctor without waiting until the next mammogram date.
• The breasts of young women who have not entered the menopause have a denser tissue. Dense tissue has more glandular (like a gland) and connective tissue, less adipose tissue. Dense tissue and tumors are also observed as hard white areas when imaged. For this reason, such tissues are more difficult to evaluate in mammography. The density of breast tissue decreases as women age.
• Swelling, tenderness or pain may be felt in the breasts during or before the menstrual period. During this period, you may feel one or more lumps because there is extra fluid in your breast. These changes will go away on their own when your period ends. Since some lumps felt in the breast are caused by normal hormonal changes, your doctor will want to examine you again at a different time outside of your menstrual period.
• A lump may be felt in the breasts during pregnancy. The reason for this is the enlargement and number of milk-producing glands.
• During breastfeeding, an inflammation of the breast called mastitis may be encountered. This occurs when the milk ducts are blocked. Mastitis changes the color of the breast to red and the lumps increase, also the breast is warmer and tenderness is present. All these symptoms may develop due to infection and are usually treated with antibiotics. Sometimes the channels may need to be emptied. If the redness or mastitis continues after the treatment, it would be appropriate to consult your doctor without wasting time.
• If you are entering menopause, your menstrual periods will decrease. Also, your hormone levels change. Even if you are not on your period, this can make your breasts more sensitive. You may feel more lumps in your breasts than before.
• If you use hormones (menopausal hormone therapy, birth control pill or injection) the breast becomes more dense. This can complicate the evaluation of mammography. If you are using hormones, inform your doctor about this.
• If you are no longer menstruating (you have entered the menopause), the body’s hormone level will decrease, the breast tissue will lose its density and become more oily. You may no longer feel lumps and pain, or no fluid comes out of the nipple. Losing the density of your breast tissue will make mammography evaluation easier.
