Breast center is a medical facility devoted to giving every woman personalized health care. It offers the most effective options in diagnosing and treating breast disorders ranging from minor to complex and rare conditions. Breast health clinic also consists of a team of caring and supportive experts. Their primary aim is to help patients will any kind of breast-related concerns such as breast cancer. 

 

Types of Breast Disorders 

There are a number of breast disorders that may affect women of all ages. Some are cancerous (malignant), while others are non-cancerous (benign). Most women often develop non-cancerous disorders that do not necessarily require treatment. But sometimes, they may also suffer from cancerous diseases. These are chronic conditions that may result in complete loss of a breast or even life. 

Overall, the common types of breast disorders include;

 

Breast cancers

Breast cancer is a condition where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, multiply, and advance. It starts in the breast cells of the lobules or breast ducts. Lobules refer to the glands that generate breast milk, while the ducts are the channels in which the milk moves from the glands towards the nipple. Sometimes, malignancy can manifest either in the breast’s fatty tissues or the fibrous connective tissues. 

The cancerous cells usually invade the healthy tissues and spread to the lymph nodes situated beneath the arms. The cells can as well enter the bloodstream and travel to various parts of the body. 

There are several categories of breast cancer that develop and spread at distinct speeds. While some may take years to spread to advance, others develop and spread rapidly. During the early stage, breast cancer does not often portray any sign since the tumor is still small. But as the tumor grows, you may begin to experience some signs and symptoms. Nonetheless, not everyone experiences these signs or symptoms. 

 

Breast pain 

Breast pain is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women from time to time. It’s usually associated with breast tissue swelling, especially during menstruation. Most young women may start experiencing breast pain as they approach the ovulation period and continues until menstruation begins. 

Breast pain can be experienced in one or both breasts and may feel like a radiating sensation beneath the arm. Some women often experience minor discomfort. However, others may experience severe pain to the extent that it becomes difficult to put on fitting outfits. Other factors that may cause breast pain include injuries, infections, and cysts. 

 

Cysts 

Cysts normally affect older women but can sometimes develop in young women and teens as well. A cyst refers to a fluid-filled sac that grows in the breast tissue. They tend to increase in size and become painful and tender, especially before menstruation.  

A cyst can be soft or hard. It usually feels like an enlarged smooth blister on the outside when near the breast surface. It, however, filled with fluid on the inside. When deep-seated in the breast tissues, it usually feels like a hard lump since it’s covered with several tissues. 

 

Mastitis 

This is a breast tissue inflammation that may be caused by infections. It mostly affects the women who are breastfeeding but can sometimes occur to other women who are not breastfeeding. 

Mastitis condition normally occurs as a result of milk trapped inside the breast. However, a blocked milk duct can also cause mastitis. This is where the breast doesn’t fully empty when breastfeeding, hence clogging one of the milk ducts. At times, bacteria from the baby’s mouth and skin surface can enter the milk ducts, causing mastitis. 

 

Breast lump

Most of the breast lumps are benign or non-cancerous. However, they can sometimes be early signs of breast tumors. Breast tissues are normally associated with hormones. Therefore, any changes in the hormones can trigger lumps. 

Breast lumps can develop in women of all ages and can naturally disappear with time. They are usually hard, unmovable, attached to the chest wall, and associated with breast dimpling or puckering. 

 

Fibrocystic breast disease 

Fibrocystic breast disease is a noncancerous (benign) condition that makes the breasts lumpy. This condition is minor and less harmless but can sometimes make one uncomfortable and bothered. 

Breast tissue usually changes in response to hormones released by the ovaries. Therefore, a woman with fibrocystic breast disease can experience pronounced changes due to these hormones. This makes the breast tender, swollen and can form breast lumps. 

 

The Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast Disorders 

There are several signs and symptoms related to breast disorders. Some may indicate minor conditions that may disappear with time. However, others can indicate serious life-threatening diseases. But generally, these are some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms; 

• Acute or chronic breast pain 
• Breast lumps 
• Discharge from the nipple
• Changes in the skin around the breast
• Dry, scaly skin around the nipple
• Breast swelling 
• Reddening, puckering, and dimpling of the breast skin
• Changes in the nipple
• Changes in the breast shape

 

Breast Disorders Diagnosis at the Breast Center 

To accurately diagnose breast disorders, the doctor at the breast clinic normally conducts several tests and examinations. This helps identify the type of the disease, the affected breast tissues, and the severity. Some of the common tests include; 

Physical examination: This helps in various ways such as; 

• Locating the breast lumps and identify features such as the size, texture, and if it’s linked to the skin and the chest muscles. 
• Checking if there are any changes in the breast skin and the nipples. 
• Checking the lymph nodes beneath the arm and around the collarbones.  

 

Imaging tests: This includes;

• Diagnostic mammography to check for any masses and calcifications 
• Breast ultrasound to further clarify information gathered from physical examinations and mammography tests. 

Laboratory microscopic examination: Doctors use this to examine and test nipple discharge

MRI ductogram or x-ray: This is to examine the nipple further in case there is discharge other than the breast milk. 

Breast biopsy: It includes; 

• Image-guided biopsies: Performed with the help of ultrasound and various imaging techniques such as fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy. FNA involves the use of a small fine needle inserted into the affected part of the breast to extract a small sample of the tissue. On the other hand, core needle biopsy involves the use of a large needle inserted into the lump to remove a small core of the tissue. 
• Surgical biopsy: This is a surgical procedure performed to remove the entire breast lump or part of it. 

Hormonal diagnosis: This is a test done to determine whether the nipple discharge is bloody or milky. 

 

Treatment Options of Breast Disorders 

Not all breast disorders require treatment. However, if the condition is malignant, severe, painful, or causes discomfort, the medical provider may suggest various forms of treatment. Generally, the treatment option often depends on the type of conditions and severity. 

Some of the treatment options for general breast disorders include; 

• Medication such as oral antibiotics to treat breast infections
• Fine needle aspiration to suck the fluid-filled cysts 
• A surgical procedure to remove breast lumps and cancer tissues 
• Chemotherapy to shrink or destroy cancer cells and prevent them from spreading
• Radiation therapy; involves the use of high energy rays to kill cancer cells 
• Biological therapy; works with the immune system to fight off the cancerous cells and prevent side effects caused by cancer treatment. 
• Hormonal therapy: Prevents the cancerous cells from invading the hormones as they multiply. 

 

Breast Center Services 

Health care specialists at the breast center are dedicated to providing the best health care and consultation services. Their primary goal is to give women with breast disorders comprehensive care and support to enhance their overall life quality. 

Other significant breast center services include; 

Assessment of the breast symptoms: Assessment gives you a chance to discuss the signs and symptoms you are experiencing. You can also ask questions relating to breast disorders. 

Breast imaging assessment: This is helpful for patients with dense breast tissue and abnormal or unusual mammograms. They can either undergo breast density testing or additional imaging tests. 

Genetic breast cancer risk assessment: This is helpful especially if you are at a high risk of developing breast cancer due to related genetic issues

Quality multidisciplinary breast cancer care: The breast center focuses on giving comprehensive health care to patients diagnosed with breast cancer. It also cares for those with a history of the condition.

 

Conclusion 

As women grow older, breast tissues tend to change. Such changes are usually normal but can sometimes trigger breast disorders, which are either acute or severe. As such, the cancer center is committed to offering comprehensive breast care to women regardless of their stages in life. 

CloudHospital is thus the best medical platform to consider if you suspect a breast disorder or have a history of related issues. They work with medical experts and professionals from the best breast clinics abroad. They ensure that you receive the best diagnosis and treatment services that will eventually translate into a successful recovery and improved life quality.