What are common breast problems?
Common breast problems include breast mass, pain, and nipple discharge. Breast symptoms were reported in about 3% of all visits by female patients to family physicians. 1 Over a 10-year period, 16% of women 40 to 69 years of age had breast problems, and 10% reported breast symptoms at the time of mammography.
What is the most common breast disorder?
Breast disease in women encompasses a spectrum of benign and malignant disorders. The frequency of breast cancer varies with the age of the patient and the presenting complaint. Breast pain, a nipple discharge and a palpable mass are the most common breast problems for which women consult a physician.
How is mastalgia diagnosis?
The diagnosis of mastalgia is most often made based on symptoms and a physical breast exam, though imaging studies may be done to further evaluate abnormalities noted during a physical exam. The chance of mastalgia being a symptom of breast cancer is quite low, but it’s important to screen women who are at risk.
What is the meaning of mastalgia?
Breast pain (mastalgia) can be described as tenderness, throbbing, sharp, stabbing, burning pain or tightness in the breast tissue. The pain may be constant or it may occur only occasionally, and it can occur in men, women and transgender people. Breast pain can range from mild to severe.
What are the signs of breast problems?
What are the symptoms of benign breast disease?
- Breast pain (mastalgia).
- Nipple discharge.
- Change in breast size, shape or contour.
- Inverted, creased or scaly nipple.
- Dimpled, puckered or scaly breasts.
How do you diagnose breast problems?
These doctors are experts in diagnosing breast problems.
- Breast ultrasound. A machine that uses sound waves to make pictures, called sonograms, of areas inside the breast.
- Diagnostic mammogram.
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Biopsy.
What are the symptoms of breast disease?
Besides a breast lump, other signs of benign breast disease include:
- Breast pain (mastalgia).
- Nipple discharge.
- Change in breast size, shape or contour.
- Inverted, creased or scaly nipple.
- Dimpled, puckered or scaly breasts.
What is breast Nodularity?
The normal glandular tissue of the breast is nodular, which means it is lumpy. This lumpiness, or nodularity, is usually most pronounced in the upper outer area of the breast. Nodularity, particularly when it varies during the menstrual cycle, is normal and not an indication of a breast problem.