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Breast Disease

The breast is a gland that produces nutrients and milk for breastfeeding. Although the breast is a rather uncomplicated organ, the effects of hormones and normal changes over a lifetime can complicate the detection of breast problems. Understanding the basic anatomy and function of the breast, as well as familiarizing yourself with your own breast anatomy, will help you to detect certain changes that may indicate disease.

Anatomy

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The breast lies above the ribcage and pectoralis muscles. It is composed of fat, ligaments, breast feeding apparatus and superficial skin features. The superficial features include the nipple, an opening that allows the passage of milk for breast feeding. Surrounding the nipple is the areola. This area includes glands which appear as bumps and produce a waxy substance to help prevent drying and cracking of the nipple during breast feeding. Along with fat and suspension ligaments the internal structures of the breast include fibrous tissue, lobes and lymph nodes. The lobes of the breast contain lobules and ducts. The ductal system attaches the lobes to the nipples and allows for the flow of milk.

Symptoms

There are symptoms to watch for that may indicate something is wrong with your breast; certain types of breast pain, nipple discharge and lumps.

Breast Pain

Most breast pain is caused by hormones and coincides with your monthly cycle. The kind of pain that should alert you to see a surgeon is non-cyclical breast pain. This means that you experience the pain consistently, not just before or during your menstrual period. Generally, the vast majority of breast cancer is painless.

Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharge can be clear, brown, grey, yellow-green or occasionally bloody. It can happen spontaneously (discharging by itself without any pressure), or occur only when the nipple is squeezed. It is caused by fluid in the ducts that carries milk for breast-feeding. Sometimes the ducts can get clogged or produce a small amount of fluid that discharges normally. Small cysts under the nipple can also cause discharge. It is important to consult a breast surgeon if you experience nipple discharge that is consistent, spontaneous, bloody and only in one breast. These symptoms are of particular concern for post-menopausal women.

Lumps

It is important to remember that healthy breasts are lumpy by nature, particularly before the menstrual period. Any descrete pronounced lump or change in the breast should prompt you to consult your doctor, particularly if it persists after one or two menstrual cycles.

When abnormal changes are detected doctors employ several diagnostic tools to determine whether treatment is required. Click here to learn more about diagnosing breast disease.