At Canterbury Breastcare, we understand that your breast health is a vital aspect of overall well-being. Our goal is to provide you with the information and support you need to address any concerns you may have. Below are some common breast issues that many patients experience.
Finding a lump in your breast can be alarming, but it’s important to remember that most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous). Common causes of breast lumps include cysts, fibroadenomas, and infections. However, any new or unusual lump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out breast cancer.
The most common causes of benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps include:
Breast cancer can also cause a breast lump. If you find a lump in your breast, you should see your general practice team as soon as possible. Men can get breast cancer too and should also have any new lump checked as soon as possible.
To help decide whether the lump needs further investigation, your general practice team will note your symptoms, take a history and examine you, and refer for imaging (mammogram and/or ultrasound) if required.
If you have any lumps that persist beyond a menstrual cycle, or if they have associated nipple discharge or change in the nipple shape, see your GP.
Nipple discharge can occur for various reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, infections, or benign growths like papillomas. While most nipple discharge is not a sign of cancer, certain types, such as bloody or spontaneous discharge, warrant further investigation by a healthcare provider.
Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts can be concerning. These changes can be due to a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, or benign conditions like fibrocystic breast changes. However, persistent or unusual changes, including changes to the nipple, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is a common concern among women. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, cysts, or even certain medications. Bilateral, general, or cyclical breast pain are benign features. Breast pain is extremely rarely the only sign of cancer, but if it is persistent and concerning you, or associated with any other symptoms (lump, redness, hot to touch or other changes in appearance), it is recommended you see your doctor for review.
Gynaecomastia is a medical condition meaning male breast enlargement. It is a common condition due to the excess growth of breast tissue, not excess fat tissue.
Breast enlargement in men is usually caused by a hormone imbalance. All males have the male hormone testosterone, as well as low levels of the female hormone oestrogen. It is the imbalance of these two hormones which can cause the excess growth of breast tissue.
There are several things that can cause the hormone imbalance reducing the testosterone or increasing the oestrogen level. Risk factors may include:
The condition may occur in one or both breasts. One breast may be larger than the other.
Gynaecomastia is a non-cancerous growth of excess breast tissue. Often no treatment is required as the excess breast tissue can go away on its own.
If your gynaecomastia is caused by a medication used to treat a medical condition you should speak with your GP as these may need to be stopped or changed.
If gynaecomastia continues to be a problem then a referral to a breast surgeon may be indicated to further investigate the cause of this. In a very small number of cases surgery may be an option.
It’s important to be proactive about your breast health. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical advice promptly: