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Inflammatory breast cancer is an especially aggressive type of breast cancer that can occur in women of any age (and extremely rarely, in men). Symptoms may include pain, swelling, itching, nipple inversion, warmth and redness throughout the breast, as we... moreInflammatory breast cancer is an especially aggressive type of breast cancer that can occur in women of any age (and extremely rarely, in men). Symptoms may include pain, swelling, itching, nipple inversion, warmth and redness throughout the breast, as well as an orange-peel texture to the skin referred to as peau d'orange. A lump is usually not present as in other forms of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer often initially resembles mastitis. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as an insect bite or breast infection. Inflammatory breast cancer is known to respond to antibiotics, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy where appropriate and in some cases surgery when considered essentially a systemic cancer. less
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Paget's disease of the breast (also known as Paget's disease of the nipple) is a malignant condition that outwardly may have the appearance of eczema, with skin changes involving the nipple of the breast. Symptoms may include tingling, itching, increased ... morePaget's disease of the breast (also known as Paget's disease of the nipple) is a malignant condition that outwardly may have the appearance of eczema, with skin changes involving the nipple of the breast. Symptoms may include tingling, itching, increased sensitivity, burning, and pain. There may also be discharge from the nipple and a lump in the breast. Paget's disease is difficult to diagnose due to its resemblance to dermatitis and eczema. Recommended tests are a mammogram and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, and cytopathology may also be helpful. Surgery usually needed to remove the tumor. Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be necessary. less
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Breast cancer (malignant breast neoplasm) is a type of cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk.Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; t... moreBreast cancer (malignant breast neoplasm) is a type of cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk.Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas. Breast cancer is a disease of humans and other mammals; while the overwhelming majority of cases in humans are women, men can sometimes also develop breast cancer. less
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Breast augmentation is performed by placing implants. Most implants are made of an outer silicone shell filled with a silicone gel, saline, or some combination of the two. About 15-25% of the patients develop capsule contraction or scarring around the imp... moreBreast augmentation is performed by placing implants. Most implants are made of an outer silicone shell filled with a silicone gel, saline, or some combination of the two. About 15-25% of the patients develop capsule contraction or scarring around the implant, leading to a firmness and distortion of the breast that can be painful. Also an implant rupture may occur, and bleeding of gel through the capsule is noted even more commonly. Some require removal of the implant and capsule. Breast cancer may also develop in patients with silicone gel prosthesis, as it does in women without them. If a cancer develops, it should be treated in the same manner as in women without implants such as mastectomy or breast-conserving therapy. less
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A breast abscess is a hollow space in the breast that is filled with pus and surrounded by inflamed tissue. It is often a complication of mastitis, an inflammation and infection of breast tissue. Breast abscesses are uncommon. When breast abscesses do occ... moreA breast abscess is a hollow space in the breast that is filled with pus and surrounded by inflamed tissue. It is often a complication of mastitis, an inflammation and infection of breast tissue. Breast abscesses are uncommon. When breast abscesses do occur they are most common in breastfeeding women because breastfeeding can cause cracked nipples, which allow bacteria to more easily enter the breast. Breast abscesses can also occur in women who are over overweight, have large breasts, or have poor personal hygiene. Smoking may also increase the risk of developing a breast abscess. In rare cases breast abscess may be a sign of breast cancer. Symptoms include breast swelling or breast lump, pain, inflamed, and can feel hot to the touch. Treatment of a breast abscess includes antibiotics and possibly an incision and drainage procedure. less
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Breast fat necrosis is a benign (non-cancerous) lump that forms in the breast due to fat cells that have either been damaged or degenerated. This condition, which is more common in women with large breasts, is caused by trauma to the breast. It is also co... moreBreast fat necrosis is a benign (non-cancerous) lump that forms in the breast due to fat cells that have either been damaged or degenerated. This condition, which is more common in women with large breasts, is caused by trauma to the breast. It is also common for patients who have recently undergone a lumpectomy or radiation therapy to develop breast necrosis. Many times the lump will form with a bruising or redness around it. Patients may also experience breast pain, fluid discharge from the nipple, nipple invertion, and a discoloration of the effected breast similar to an orange peel. Treatment generally involves a warm compress, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and pain killers. less
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Nipple discharge is the third most common breast complaint women. Nipple discharges are often yellow, green, brown, bloody, or milky in appearance. Most nipple discharges, while often bothersome, are not cancerous. Suspicious nipple discharge due to cance... moreNipple discharge is the third most common breast complaint women. Nipple discharges are often yellow, green, brown, bloody, or milky in appearance. Most nipple discharges, while often bothersome, are not cancerous. Suspicious nipple discharge due to cancer is about 10% of cases.Milky discharge (cloudy white color, thin, non-sticky) is the most common type of discharge. It is caused by lactation, increased mechanical stimulation of the nipple, drugs, hormone imbalance, hormone replacement, birth control pills, or pituitary tumors that cause excess prolactin secretion. Red discharge contains blood, is most often due to a benign condition such as infection or papilloma (approximately 90%). Whitish-yellow, yellow, or green discharge is pus due to infection. That means the vast majority nipple discharges are noncancerous. Discharge caused by a malignant condition is commonly on one side only. Treatment for Persistent Nipple Discharge is duct excision. less
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Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumors.The exact cause of fibroadenomas is unknown. They seem to be influenced by estrogen, because they appear most often in productive or pregnant women, or in women who are postmenopausal and taking hormone replacement t... moreFibroadenomas are benign breast tumors.The exact cause of fibroadenomas is unknown. They seem to be influenced by estrogen, because they appear most often in productive or pregnant women, or in women who are postmenopausal and taking hormone replacement therapy. You may feel a mass that’s firm, round, smooth, rubbery, and movable. It may also feel tender, especially right before your period, when it may swell due to hormonal changes. Most of these benign lumps are between one and three centimeters, but some may grow as large as five centimeters. The most definite way to get a diagnosis of fibroadenoma is with a breast biopsy. If it is small, painless, remains the same size, and a biopsy shows no problems, you would not need further treatment, because eventually it will disappear. However, if it is large, painful, growing, or a biopsy results in atypical cells, you can have it surgically removed. less
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Fibrocystic breasts are characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts. The condition is benign and the most common cause of "lumpy breasts" in women. It is caused by the hormone changes throughout a woman's menstrual c... moreFibrocystic breasts are characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts. The condition is benign and the most common cause of "lumpy breasts" in women. It is caused by the hormone changes throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. They can cause the breasts to feel swollen, lumpy, and painful. It may not even be possible to feel any lumps when the breasts are examined. In other women with fibrocystic breasts, the pain and tenderness are constant, and many lumpy or nodular areas can be felt throughout both breasts. After menopause, these changes in the breasts usually stop happening. A mammogram and ultrasound may help confirming the diagnosis. Taking medications, use heat or ice on the breast, and wearing a well-fitted bra can help the painful breast. less
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The term “menopause” denotes the final cessation of menstruation, either as a normal part of aging or as the result of surgical removal of both ovaries. The average age at menopause is 51 years. Menstrual cycles generally become irregular as menopause app... moreThe term “menopause” denotes the final cessation of menstruation, either as a normal part of aging or as the result of surgical removal of both ovaries. The average age at menopause is 51 years. Menstrual cycles generally become irregular as menopause approaches. Anovular cycles occur more often. Cycles become longer, with missed periods or episodes of spotting only. When no bleeding has occurred for 1 year, the menopausal transition can be said to have occurred. Hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue and vaginal dryness are the early symptoms. Osteoporosis may occur as a late sequela of menopause. Women are advised consumption of calcium supplements and vitamin D to lower the risk of osteoporotic fractures. less
