What kind of breast diseases are there?

Mammary gland disorders are predominantly diagnosed as benign, in some cases requiring no treatment or just simple treatment. However, even if it is not life-threatening, we should still do breast self-examination or regular breast screening to detect silent abnormalities early. For some unusual disorders with worrisome symptoms, you should see your doctor for a more in-depth examination.

Breast diseases that we often encounter include:

Breast Pain

Breast pain is a fairly common symptom that is usually caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can also cause breast pain. Some women experience breast pain every day, not just during their menstrual cycle. This pain is often associated with shoulder, neck, and armpit pain and maybe worse late in the day or after exercise. A small number of women experience breast pain that is more severe and requires treatment. However, not all breast pain is a sign of cancer.

Hormonal changes

These are changes that can cause swelling, hard patches, or pain in the breast. Many women experience hormonal changes that affect breast tissue during their menstrual cycle. It usually occurs during or just before a period. Women using the hormonal treatment for birth control (pills) or hormone replacement therapy may also experience these changes.

Breast Cysts

Breast cysts occur when fluid becomes blocked in breast tissue and are very common in women between 35 and 50. Breast cysts usually disappear with menopause but are more common in women on hormone replacement therapy. Cysts can be soft or hard and can sometimes be painful to the touch. There can be many cysts growing at once, and these cysts are mostly harmless. Your doctor may use an acceptable needle aspiration procedure.

Fibroma of mammary gland

Fibroids are harmless tumours of glandular and fibrous tissue and are common in women between 20 and 40. The cause of fibroadenomas of the breast is still not satisfactorily explained. These cysts may be painless or become softer before menstruation. Some tumours only develop during pregnancy.

Some other common lumps

Hard scar tissue from trauma or previous breast surgery, such as a biopsy, can cause lumps. The silicone that is injected into the breast for cosmetic reasons can sometimes harden and form clots.

Nipple discharge

Nipple discharge is quite common and usually not a cause for concern. Sometimes nipple discharge can be caused by cancer or other diseases. If you are unsure, you can see your doctor get the necessary tests done, especially if the nipples are bleeding or watery or discharge is only coming from one breast.

Painted, cracked and itchy nipples

Breastfeeding can cause sore, cracked, or itchy nipples. The skin around the nipple can crack and become painful. Your doctor will advise you to stop this condition. If your nipples break when you're not breastfeeding or pregnant, see your doctor.

Nipple retracted inward

Some women have inverted nipples, and this is entirely normal. Inverted nipples can be congenital or due to breastfeeding, or maybe you're pregnant. However, if the nipple is inverted abnormally, it should be noted and consulted with a doctor.

Breast and nipple infection

Infections in the breast do not cause breast cancer but should be treated promptly. If you have inflammation or infection in your nipples, it could be a sign of eczema (a common skin problem) or dilated milk ducts.

Mastitis is a painful swelling in the breast caused by a common bacterial infection or tuberculosis. The disease is often associated with breastfeeding and usually develops 2 to 6 weeks after birth. The breast becomes red, hot, swollen, and painful. And you may experience fever and chills if the infection spreads. Mastitis needs to be consulted and examined by a doctor, and in some cases, may require antibiotics.

Symptoms of mastitis can sometimes be found in women who are not breastfeeding, for example, in women who have diabetes or have a weak immune system. Recurrent mastitis is often associated with smoking.

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