Breast Diseases

What are Breast Diseases?

Breast diseases refer to the problem in the breast area where women live. Although these disorders are quite diverse, they can be mild or severe. Early diagnosis as a result of breast disease symptoms always saves lives. Breast cancer, which is one of these diseases, progresses to a life-threatening point if it is not diagnosed in time. For this reason, it is important for every woman to have regular medical check-ups or to practice the “self-control” method. Early breast cancer detection saves lives!

Breast and nipple diseases can be caused by many reasons and there are factors that play a role in the formation of these disorders. A few of them can be listed as follows:

• Gender,
• Age,
• genetic factors,
• Menstrual and menopausal ages,
• Consumption habits.

Common Masses in the Breast

Breast cancer, like other cancers, includes a series of treatment processes. However, early diagnosis always saves lives and makes the process easier.  For this reason, even if you are not included in risk factors or  do not show signs of breast cancer , you should have regular check-ups. Seeing a doctor regularly or self-checking at home are simple but effective steps you can take. So, what are these breast diseases that we are facing?

The masses formed in the breast are divided into two as benign and malignant. Benign masses are those that do not harm the patient and are not life-threatening. However, malignant masses mean breast cancer. It is possible to express the masses formed in the breast as follows:

• Fibroadenoma:  What is a fibroadenoma? Fibroadenoma can be expressed as a benign mass that develops in the breast. These masses, which are common in women, do not carry the risk of developing into cancer. Symptoms of fibroadenomas, which are solid breast tumors, are easily recognizable. These masses; It is easily movable, painless, hard and round. Although it usually does not require treatment, most women have the masses removed as fibroadenoma surgery to leave no room for doubt.
• Phyllodes Tumor:  These tumors, which we often encounter as benign, can sometimes be malignant. If these tumors raise suspicion, surgical intervention is required.
• Mass in  the Breast: Sebaceous gland in the breast can be noticed with the naked eye. The most precise application for the treatment of fat masses is their removal. This doesn’t just happen with women. In men, sebaceous glands can be detected in the breast. All individuals, regardless of whether they are men or women, should have regular check-ups for this disease.
• Fat Necrosis in the Breast:  This rare condition is clinically important. When fat necrosis is diagnosed in the breast, surgical removal is preferred to avoid worsening outcomes.
• Hamartoma:  What is a hamartoma? Tumor-looking and quite common hamartomas can occur anywhere in our body. The difference between hamartoma and normal tissue is that it grows as a dispersed mass.

What are the Treatments for Breast Diseases?

Today, breast diseases are treated with methods such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Breast cancer surgery  basically happens in three ways:

• Mastectomy:  The entire breast is removed along with the tumor.
• Skin-Sparing Mastectomy:  In this method, the nipple and nipple circumference are removed along with the tumor. However, the rest of the breast is largely spared.
• Breast Conserving Surgery:  The tumor and some breast tissue around it are removed. In this way, the breast structure does not deteriorate.

The importance of early breast cancer diagnosis is known by everyone. The importance of early detection is underlined many times over, including breast cancer week and breast cancer awareness month. So,  how is breast cancer diagnosed ?

Even if you do not go to a regular doctor’s examination, you should observe the breasts once a month and check whether you can feel a cyst around it with control methods that you can do at home. If a difference is detected during the controls, a doctor should be consulted immediately. So,  which doctor treats breast diseases ? The department that deals with these ailments is the department of general surgery.

Who Gets Breast Diseases?

What causes breast cancer  and what is the cause of the disease? Although the causes of the disease are not fully known, there are groups at risk. The groups at risk of this disease can be listed as follows:

• Women with early menstruation (before 12 years old) and late menopausal (55 years old).
• Women who have never had children or have given birth after age 30. Breast diseases are more frequently diagnosed in non-breastfeeding women.
• Those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol and cigarettes.
• Individuals with a sedentary life.
• In the family, people whose relatives such as aunt/aunt, mother, grandmother and grandmother have had breast disease before.
• Individuals of advanced age.

In terms of age, breast cancer is more likely to occur in older women. So, do  men get breast cancer  ? Although rare, men can also get breast cancer. Although this disorder can be seen at any age, the risk factor is in the advanced age group. Early diagnosis of breast cancer always saves lives in men as well as in women. For this reason, breast cancer control should be carried out without interruption, regardless of whether it is a woman or a man. When an unusual situation is encountered during the controls, an appointment should be made from a specialist immediately.

Are Breast Diseases Dangerous?

It is known that breast cancer ranks first among the deadly cancer types. Of course, breast diseases are dangerous, but this danger can be avoided with benign cysts and the importance of early diagnosis. Although benign cysts are not life-threatening, breast cancer and other malignant tumors are dangerous. Stage 4 breast cancer  and  stage 3  breast cancer are considered advanced breast cancer.

Early diagnosis of the disease greatly reduces the risk. As emphasized during breast cancer week  and breast cancer awareness month, early detection saves lives. Adopting a healthier lifestyle after breast cancer surgery prevents future risks. This disease is an important disease that must be followed up. In cases where early diagnosis is not performed, the treatment process can be difficult. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a difficult process with early diagnosis. With this situation, both the treatment is more effective in a short time and the person receives the least physical and psychological damage as possible.

Are Breast Disease Treatments Painful?

Breast disease treatment; It varies in matters such as the degree and type of the disease, the sensitivity of the patient. Cancerous breasts  can cause pain during the healing process. It is possible for the person to get tired not only physically but also psychologically during the post-operative or chemotherapy process. However, one should always hope and think positively. When the stress factor is minimized, a comfortable and painless process is achieved.

Preventive treatment is as important as breast cancer treatment  . In this disease, where early diagnosis plays a vital role, everyone should regularly check themselves or see a doctor. After the treatment, a healthier lifestyle should be adopted by the patient. In this way, it is possible to avoid complications that may occur in the future. In order for breast diseases to be diagnosed early, you should perform your checkups without delay and consult a specialist in case you encounter a possible mass. Click here  to get information about other diseases and treatment methods.