Breast Cancer & Breast Self-Examination Techniques

-
Do you know that when you sleep on your abdomen, tissues in the chest area may become compressed and develop cysts? Breast cyst can be felt on examination as a lump which is seen as a form of breast disorder. Breast disorders may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Most of these breast disorders are noncancerous and not life threatening, and as such do not require treatment.

In contrast, breast cancer can mean loss of a breast or of life. Thus, for many women, breast cancer is their worst fear. However, potential problems can be detected early when women regularly examine their breast themselves, are examined regularly by their doctors, and have breast scans or mammograms as recommended. Early detection of breast cancer can be essential to successful treatment.

Symptoms related to the breast are common and according to statistics, are the reason for more than 15 million visits to the doctor every year. Such symptoms include:
Breast pain,
Breast lump,
A discharge from the nipple,
Changes in the breast's skin such as dimpling, thickening, redness, puckering, etc.

Breast symptoms do not necessarily mean a woman has breast cancer or another serious disorder. For example, monthly breast tenderness that is related to hormonal changes before a menstrual period does not indicate a serious disorder. On self examination however, if any of the following is observed, women should see their doctors:
A lump that feels distinctly different from other breast tissue,
A lump or swelling that does not go away,
Changes in the shape of the breast,
A nipple that is pulled inward (inverted),
Discharge from the nipple especially if it is bloody and/or occurs without the nipple being squeezed or stimulated by other means. 

It is important to note that women who choose to examine their breast should do so at the same time each month. For menstruating women, 2 or 3 days after their period ends is a good time because the breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen. Some may choose to have the exam done a week after their period, which is still okay. For non-menstruating women, the first or last day of every month is advised, a day that can easily be remembered.

The step by step approach to Breast Self-Examination is described pictorially as follows:





Source: MSD Manual, Consumer Version.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Was He In Error?

-
Image
A Prescriber writing a prescription In my early years of practice, about a decade ago, I had an experience that taught me that it is unwise to follow the path of assumptions. Never assume to know something that you do not or a concept that you are not clear with. Doing this can lead to grave consequences. I was working an evening shift in a retail pharmacy when a client came in with a prescription on which was written the order: - Tabs Amovine i bd X 1/52. Amovine (or Amovin as it is correctly written), is a brand of anti-infective medication by Evans Therapeutics, containing Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid, used for the treatment of bacterial infections. Upon receipt of the prescription, I was not sure what to make of it, but then, I was inclined to interpret the order as follows: - Tabs Avomine i bd X 1/52, all thanks to the style at which prescribers write prescription orders. Amovine is a brand of antihistamine containing Promethazine which is used mainly for the management of nau
Read more

Liver/Kidney Detox

-
Image
Spring is a beautiful season, it’s also the time of year when our immune systems may take a beating. There are many possible reasons for this– stress of the holidays, lack of Vitamin D, the cold– but regardless, it often results in us getting cold or flu-like symptoms. As the saying goes, when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. More specifically, in this case, you make a detox lemonade to put the pep back in your step and boost your immune system. What makes the detox lemonade work so well is the combination of ingredients that go into it. In addition to the immune system boost from the Vitamin C in the lemons, the recipe also includes cayenne pepper and honey. The combined power of these two ingredients works to cut down on inflammation while aiding with digestion as well. Not to mention the cloves and the ginger which both include antioxidants and a range of other benefits! But enough details, you’ll have to try it yourself. Here’s what you’ll need: Ingredients:
Read more

Viral Infections in Children

-
Image
Child Care during the Common Viral Infections Cold and flu are the two most common viral infections affecting children. Unfortunately there isn't any cure for common cold and influenza since most antibiotics doesn't have any effect on these viruses. Antibiotics are only indicated for secondary bacterial infections. As a parent the best you can do is make your baby feel comfortable by ensuring they get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids. How can this be achieved? Relieving A Stuffy Nose • For infants a rubber suction bulb can be used for sucking drainage from the nasal passages. Your child will breathe a lot more freely when the clogged mucus is sucked out from the nose. • Using 1-2 saline drops (saltwater) for each nostril greatly helps in alleviating congested nose. • Place a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in the room of your kid to keep their nasal secretion from drying up. The humidifier would provide the extra moisture which would make your baby more comfo
Read more