Benign Breast Conditions:
Breast Lumps, Pain And Discharge Can Be Harmless
For every cancerous breast lump, at least 10 other breast lumps are benign
and completely harmless. However, cancer can cause symptoms that mimic
benign breast conditions. So, if you have any of the symptoms listed below
that don't fade or disappear shortly after your period, you must have
a diagnostic breast evaluation as soon as possible. Remember, early detection
is your best chance for a cure.
There are three kinds of breast conditions that are usually benign but
should be checked by a professional health care provider:
- Pain or tenderness, which can be accompanied by swelling
- Breast lumps or lumpiness, which can be accompanied by pain or swelling
- Discharge, accompanied by pain or swelling
Five factors cause benign breast changes:
Injury: Bra Underwires, hanging purse or bag
straps and seat belts
The stiff underwires found in many bras are a very common cause of breast
irritation. Underwires may dig into the flesh or rub up and down when
a woman raises her arms. Irritation usually occurs at one end or tip of
the underwire. This is particularly common in the larger breast when one
breast is bigger than the other.
Foods: Caffeine and Soy Products
Caffeine can stimulate fluid production within the breast, which may aggravate
existing irritation. Tofu, soy milk and other soy products contain plant
hormones (phyto-estrogens) which can stimulate your breasts like natural
hormones. This problem usually occurs only when soy is consumed many times
a week.
Genetics
Just as genetics determine your hair color and height, they may cause
you to have lumpy breasts, also known as fibrocystic breasts. They may
also make you more susceptible to the effects of caffeine.
Hormones (those that occur naturally
or any food or medical supplements you are taking for hormonal replacement)
The hormones that regulate body processes, such as menstruation, may trigger
an increase in the fluid in your breast. Hormones may also trigger discharge
(see A Note About Discharge).
Factors Work Together
Most benign breast conditions occur when more than one causal factor is
present or pronounced. For instance, a woman who drinks coffee (caffeine)
and has painfully tender breasts around the time of her period (hormonal
changes) may be unusually sensitive to the physical effects of caffeine
(genetic predisposition).
Of course, we can't do anything about our naturally occurring hormones
and if you're taking supplements under a doctor's care, it's unwise to
stop. We also can't change our genetic structure. However, we can do something
about the bras we wear or the caffeine we consume.
How To Lesson Benign Symptoms
Moderate Your Caffeine and Soy Intake
If your breasts become painful before you begin menstruating each month,
we recommend that you stop all caffeine and soy consumption during this
time until your period is over. This means no tofu or other soy productrs,
coffee, all caffeinated soft drinks (diet or regular), chocolate, tea,
most decaffeinated coffees and teas and certain pain medications. Herbal
teas contain no caffeine.
Don't Wear Underwire Bras
If you or your doctor discover that underwire bras are causing irritation,
it's wise to switch to a bra without any underwire. Sports bras and other
non-underwire bras are more suitable. If lumps persist one month after
menstruation, consult your healthcare provider for evaluation. If your
breasts differ in size, the larger breast may get unusually irritated
by the tip of the bra wire along the outside of your breast. You may need
a custom made bra to fit your breasts.
A Note About Fibrocystic Breasts
Fibrocystic symptoms such as lumps or areas of thickness are not malignant
and do not turn into cancer. However, see your doctor if there is any
change in the lumpiness of your breasts or if new lumps do not disappear
after your period since cancer can develop in either lumpy or non-lumpy
breasts.
A Note About Discharge
Nipple discharge is usually caused by fibrocystic changes, abnormal hormonal
production or benign ductal ectasia. The latter is a condition, usually
occurring in women who have lactated, in which liquid collects in enlarged
breast ducts. These are benign conditions, but we recommend checking with
your physician for further evaluation since some cancers also cause discharge.
When discharge occurs from both breasts (bilaterally) or is clear, greenish
or slightly brown, it is almost always benign. However, discharge can
be a sign of cancer. If your discharge is brown or red-brown, see your
doctor.
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