Finding breast cancer at the earliest provides the best treatment options in terms of cosmesis and survival, preventing deaths from breast cancer. Getting regularly screened is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early. Breast cancer screening is a process used to identify breast cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Screening tests are typically performed…
Women may experience some form of breast pain during their lifetime causing a lot of anxiety, however; it is unlikely due to some serious problems. Breast pain may range from mild to severe with dull, heavy, burning, pricking or aching pain. Cyclical breast pain is pain that is related to the menstrual cycle and is typically experienced around the time…
Gynecomastia is an increase in the amount of breast tissue in boys or men, caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. It can affect one or both breasts. Generally, gynecomastia is not a serious problem, but most of the time it is distressing and can be difficult to cope with affecting your confidence. The cause of…
The assessment of breast lumps is a process used to determine the cause and nature of a lump or mass in the breast tissue. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse, and may involve a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsy. During a physical examination, the healthcare provider will examine the…
Breast cancer is most often found in women, but men can get breast cancer too. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man. Risk factors for breast cancer in males may include: Increasing age: The risk of breast cancer increases as a person gets older. Family history: Having a family…
A breast ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of the breast. It is commonly used to evaluate lumps or abnormalities that have been detected during a breast exam or mammogram. During the procedure, a gel is applied to the breast and a handheld device called a transducer is pressed against the…
There are several blood tests that can be used to help diagnose and monitor breast cancer. These tests may include: Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. High levels of white blood cells may be a sign of infection or inflammation, including cancer. Cancer antigen (CA)…
Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a diagnostic procedure that involves the use of a fine needle to collect cells from a suspicious growth or mass for examination under a microscope. The procedure is usually performed by a doctor or a specially trained nurse, and it typically takes only a few minutes to complete. During the procedure, the doctor or nurse…
Lymphoedema is a condition in which fluid builds up and causes swelling in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body. It can occur as a result of damage to the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and nodes that helps to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body. Lymphoedema can be caused by cancer…
A core biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the body for laboratory testing. It is usually performed to diagnose a suspected abnormal growth, such as a tumor, or to check for cancer or other conditions. During the procedure, a healthcare provider will use a needle to remove a cylindrical sample of…