Breast Diseases
Breast disease is a widespread predicament that a multitude of women and men face every day. Though a majority of breast disease is benign, noncancerous, it can still cause complications that are beyond worrisome. At Newnan Breast Center, we aim to provide our patients with immaculate care, sensitivity, and overall dedication. We believe that our patient’s involvement in their treatment plans eases stress of the disease, and allows for patients to feel in control of a typically overwhelming part of their lives. We encourage patients to be open with their apprehension; our team of caring physicians is always available to discuss any concerns you may have.
Breast Disease
Breast Neoplasm
Breast neoplasm is a mass of tissue in the breast as a result of abnormal growth. Atypical cell division creates a tumor-like lump that can be either benign, noncancerous, or it may be malignant, which means it is cancerous. At Newnan Breast Center, we advise any patient to seek immediate medical attention for any abnormal breast growth or changes. Women over 40 should receive annual mammograms.
Malignant Neoplasms (Breast Cancer)
Most women experience breast changes throughout their lives. We encourage regular self-examinations so one can detect any new growth of lumps or bumps, however self-examination is an unreliable method in the diagnosis of these changes. We strongly advise that patients seek a physician’s care immediately upon the growth of lumps or bumps and abnormal discharge of the breasts. Though there is an amalgam of factors that can create these changes in breasts such as age, hormone levels, and medications, we feel that our patients need to be proactive in case of a potentially cancerous growth.
Common Breast Changes
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Fibrocystic breast changes: lumpiness, thickness and swelling. This often occurs prior to a woman’s menstrual cycle.
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Cysts: fluid-filled lumps. Though typically benign, if there is pain and continuous swelling, seek immediate medical attention.
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Fibroadenoma: solid, round, rubbery lumps that move easily when pushed. These occur most in younger women.
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Intraductal papillomas: growths similar to warts near the nipple arising from the milk ducts.
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Blocked milk ducts or milk production when a woman is not breastfeeding.
What To Know
Minor and serious breast problems have similar symptoms, however majority of the issues are not cancerous.
We encourage monthly self-breast examinations for adult women. According to the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, ”forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.” While mammograms can help detect a cancerous lump prior to self-discovery, a recurrent self-exam is encouraged so you are familiar with how your breasts feel and look. Therefore, if any abnormal changes are detected you will know to notify a physician immediately.
For information on how to perform a proper self-breast examination, please see our FAQspage under Patient Information.
Our surgeons and staff are attentive to your individual needs throughout the duration of your time with us. If you have a breast lump, pain, discharge, or skin irritation, please immediately contact our office today at 770-502-2150!