$Unique_ID{BRK01901}
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$Title{Breast Lumps:  Are Mine Serious?}
$Subject{Breast breasts lump Lumps bump bumps self examine examination
examinations change changes benign cancer cancerous fibrocystic disease
diseases test tests tested testing biopsy biopsies mammogram Mammograms x-ray
x-rays Ultrasound needle needles aspiration cyst cysts self-examination
self-examinations}
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Breast Self-Examination:  Step 1*0002602.scf
Breast Self-Examination:  Step 2*0002603.scf
Breast Self-Examination:  Step 3*0002604.scf
Breast Self-Examination:  Step 4*0002605.scf
Breast Self-Examination:  Step 5*0002606.scf
Breast Self-Examination:  Step 6*0002607.scf
Monthly Breast Self-Examination*0002608.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Breast Lumps:  Are Mine Serious?


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QUESTION:  During a shower, I discovered a bump in my breast.  I don't think
it was ever there before because I have never really checked my breasts like
this.  When I then carefully touched my breasts, I found lumps in both of
them.  Now I need your help.  What can I do to tell if these are serious?  Is
there any home test I can use?  I know I have read articles on how women can
diagnose these things for themselves, but I never kept them because I didn't
think such a thing would ever happen to me.  I hope you will take the time to
explain all of this to me.

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ANSWER:  Over the past ten years, many articles have been written about breast
lumps and what they mean, and many physicians recommend a regular routine of
self breast examination.  The purpose is to discover any changes in your
breast as quickly as possible after they occur.  The accent is on the word
"discover" for there is no such thing as "self-diagnosis".  According to
estimates from the National Cancer Institute, about 50 percent of all American
women have lumps in their breasts.
     The good news is that the great majority of these lumps are benign, not
cancer, and are the results of a condition called "fibrocystic breast
disease".  Such lumps are most noticeable in the days before menstruation, and
are tender when pressed.  They can move about easily within the breast, and
you can generally feel a well defined edge.  As in your case, many women
discover them quite by accident during a shower as they soap and wash.
     Still, there is no way to be absolutely sure about the nature of such a
lump without examining a bit of tissue from the lump under the microscope.
And there is no home test you can use to try and make a diagnosis on your own.
With a newly discovered lump, or several new lumps, you must consult your own
physician.
     However, there are a number of tests or examinations that can be used to
help determine your diagnosis with great accuracy, without the need for a
surgical biopsy.  Your physician will palpate the breast, seeking the signs
that can help tell the difference between a benign lump or a cancerous mass.
Mammograms or breast x-rays can reveal characteristics that help distinguish
between the different types of breast masses.  Ultrasound can detect the
fluid that fills some cystic lumps and reveal its benign nature.
     When all these tests fail to clear up the diagnosis, a bit of tissue must
be obtained for microscopic examination.  Sometimes fluid or cells can be
removed through a fine needle (needle aspiration), and can discover the true
nature of the lump.  Once the diagnosis is made, a decision about treatment
(if any is necessary) is made.
     Even if the lump is benign, there are several recommendations you should
follow.  Learn how to examine your breast properly and follow the routine on a
monthly basis.  If you are over the age of 50, an annual mammogram is
recommended.  Younger women may only need one every other year.
     Once you have a full record of the present condition of your breasts,
these regular follow up examination serve to discover any changes at the
earliest possible opportunity.  And, as often stated here "Early diagnosis
leads to early treatment" and that provides you with the best possible outcome
results.

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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.