Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 27)

Intraductal PaPIllomas Who’s affected: Mostly women between the ages of 30 and 50. What they are: Small lumps in breast ducts. They do not raise the risk of breast cancer unless abnormal cells are present. detection: Intraductal papillomas are the most common cause of nipple discharge from a single duct. They are not easily seen on mammograms, if at all, but may be felt by a physician during a clinical breast exam. treatment: Intraductal papillomas can be removed with surgery. thick or lumpy, but the lumps will move when you push on them as though they are not affixed to anything. Some women have nipple discharge, although if it is clear, red or bloody, see your doctor right away. treatment: No treatment is necessary. To reduce pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, apply heat or ice, and wear a well-fitting bra. mastItIs (InFectIon) FIbrocystIc breast condItIon, or FIbrocystIc change Who’s affected: “Fibrocystic change is a recurring process that is very common,” Masood says. The condition affects more than half of all women. It most commonly begins in the 30s and goes away after menopause. What it is: Changes to the breast throughout the menstrual cycle that cause the breasts to swell, feel lumpy and be painful. Lumpy breasts are not the same as having breast lumps. No cause has been detected, although some women have reported that caffeine and diet may affect their symptoms. detection: Pain may come and go or may be present throughout your cycle. Breasts may feel Who’s affected: Usually women who are breastfeeding. What it is: Bacteria enter the breast through a crack in the nipple, causing tissue to be inflamed. The swelling causes pain and redness and puts pressure on the milk ducts. detection: You may have a fever, pain and other flu-like symptoms. One breast may be enlarged. Clogged ducts cause the breast to be sore. You may notice small, red lumps on the breast that are sore to the touch. treatment: Infections are treated with antibiotics. Continue breastfeeding, and drain the breast as much as possible. Beforehand, massage the breast, starting at the outside and working your way in. Apply warm, moist towels to the area several times a day. After a few days, if the lumps do not go away or increase in size or redness, or if you have severe pain, see your doctor. When to Call Your Doctor Never hesitate to call your doctor about any breast symptoms, the National Cancer Institute recommends. Be sure to make an appointment if you have: • A lump in your breast or underarm • Thick or firm tissue in your breast or underarm • A change in size or shape of your breast • Nipple discharge that’s not breast milk • An inverted nipple • Changes in the breast skin, including itchiness, reddening, dimples or puckers When you see your doctor, be prepared to answer the following questions: • What are your symptoms? • When did you first notice the change? • Is it in one breast or both? • Have there been changes since the symptoms appeared? • When was your last period? Vim & Vigor • Sum mer 2012 27

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
A Life Saved at the Fitness Center
Addressing Hidden Complications
The Breakfast Club
Arthritis Answers
A TV Guide to Radiology
Take Aim
It Might NOT Be Cancer
Colin Firth
Step Up to the Plate
Life After Cancer
Get Dad to the Doc
Virtual Health
Community Health
Third Lease on Life
Commissioned to Greatness
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Parrish Medical Center