$Unique_ID{BRK00799}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Type of Treatment is Available for Pain from Breast Lumps?}
$Subject{breast breast lump lumps treatment treatments Skin Subcutaneous
Tissue Caffeine diary products alcohol smoking smoke smoker smokers stress}
$Volume{R-19}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Type of Treatment is Available for Pain from Breast Lumps?


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QUESTION:  I have lumps in my breast that though diagnosed as not cancerous
still cause me moments of terrible pain.  What type of treatment is available
to get me some relief?

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ANSWER:  Treatment depends on the character of the noncancerous lumps, the
discomfort they cause and your family's medical history.  Your doctor will
always want to examine such lumps carefully (and probably will advise you to
do so quite frequently) but may not prescribe any treatment if lumps are few,
small, painless, and usually occur with your menstrual cycle.
     If you experience breast pain or tenderness before periods, cutting back
on the amount of salt will help to reduce the amount of fluid your body
retains.
     Caffeine, diary products, alcohol and smoking have all been linked to
this condition, and eliminating them, or reducing their intake may afford some
relief when tenderness and pain are the main complaints.
     Some authorities state that stress can make symptoms worse and recommend
techniques to reduce it, such as meditation, exercise and biofeedback.  Some
also suggest taking vitamins E and B.  If your pain persists, your physician
may prescribe hormone medication.
     Surgery is performed only if the condition is severe.  Lumps can be
removed without disfiguring.  At times even large lumps--containing fluid--can
be drained simply, using a needle and syringe.  Reducing the pressure by
removing the fluid may also reduce your pain.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.