Understanding the Different Breast Diseases

Just using the word breast can elicit an inappropriate response because of their connection to sexual identity. But despite both sexes having them, in women, breasts are more developed and functional, serving as a method of feeding newborns when giving birth through glands that produce milk. In addition to functional and aesthetic differences in breasts between the sexes, there is also a much greater risk of conditions that affect them in women. 

For example, over 300,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer compared to just under 3,000 men this year alone. And while breast cancer is the most commonly known disease that can affect this area, it is not the only problem people are at risk of getting. Let’s explore the number of illnesses that can affect breasts, what tools can detect the problems, and how often you should get them checked.

Residents of the Winter Park, Orlando, and Lake Mary, Florida areas who need screening to test for breast conditions and other illnesses can get help from Dr. George Stanley and his team at the University Diagnostic Institute.

Conditions that affect the breast

Breasts — filled with fat, glands, and tissue — change over time for several reasons, such as hormone fluctuations, aging, and certain medications. Often, the changes are benign (non-cancerous) and may form one of the following:

• Cysts: fluid-filled sacs that often go away without treatment
• Fibroadenomas: non-cancerous solid tumors that also go away on their own
• Fibrocysts: hormone level changes that happen just before menstruation
• Hyperplasia: an overgrowth of cells that slightly raises the risk of cancer
• Intraductal papilloma: growths near the nipple; multiple growths increase cancer risk
• Mammary duct ectasia: the swelling of mammary ducts that thicken and block milk
• Traumatic fat necrosis: formed from injuries when scar tissue replaces breast tissue
• Adenosis: the part of your breast that produces milk, grows large, and has more glands

Breast cancer is one of the common forms of the disease and results from abnormal cells that multiply and become tumorous. Approximately 80% of cases are invasive, meaning they have a higher risk of spreading to other body parts. It can present with changes in the size, shape, and contour of breasts, masses or lumps, thickening of tissue near the underarm, skin changes on your breast or nipple, hardened areas under the skin, and clear or blood-stained nipple discharges.

Diagnostic tools to detect them

Mammograms are the method of screening breasts for evidence of lumps, cysts, or other changes in the tissue that indicate cancer or other issues. There are two types of mammograms: the 2D exam, taken from top to bottom and side to side, and the 3D exam, which takes several images to create a 3D composite to gather information and form a diagnosis. Both use X-rays, and both use compression on the breast to get information, but the 3D exam subjects you to it for less time and gives more comprehensive results.

How often should you get breast exams?

Start getting your breasts checked as early as age 20 and go back every one to three years, or as your physician recommends. Once you reach 40, you should get them checked every year, and right after your menstrual cycle is the best time because there is less chance of swelling or tenderness. A family history of breast cancer or other diseases may make it necessary to get exams more frequently.

These exams can save lives, so make an appointment with Dr. Stanley today if you’ve experienced any changes in your breast that may indicate cancer or other issues.