Common Breast Problems

At The Breast Place, we offer several oncoplastic surgical procedures, such as natural reconstruction, nipple-sparing mastectomy, Hidden Scar™, implant reconstruction, and breast lift with or without reduction. Oncoplastic surgery is distinct from both breast cancer surgery and plastic surgery–though you initially assume oncoplastic surgery to be a mixture of both. Rather, the aim of oncoplastic breast surgery is “to achieve good aesthetic outcomes for women with breast cancers who would have unacceptable outcomes with other BCS techniques, and in addition, enable breast-conserving surgery for larger breast cancers.” While breast cancer surgery prioritizes the eradication of cancerous tissue and plastic surgery prioritizes the cosmetic appearance of the breasts, oncoplastic surgery takes both of these aspects into account when planning for the final outcome. Here you can find out more information about what to look for in an Oncoplastic surgeon. 

Before we continue with today’s topic, we’d like to make you aware of what we have to offer at The Breast Place this month. February is almost over, so time is almost out to buy one Secret RF package and get 2 laser genesis treatments for free! Secret RF is a microneedling treatment that promotes anti-aging, and laser genesis is a laser treatment that can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, we are offering 20% off Hydracool Serum! This serum is great for blemish-prone or irritated skin, and helps lock moisture in! We love these specials so much that we will be continuing it through the month of March as well! Reach out to us if you have any questions or would like more information!

In today’s blog, we’ll be discussing some common breast problems and their causes. Having any issues or concerns with your breasts can be alarming. However, it is important to remember that not every change or problem is breast cancer– There are a variety of breast issues out there, and most are benign, or non-cancerous! If you are interested in learning about some of the most common breast problems, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!

Benign breast changes and conditions are so common that most women have them. Benign means non-cancerous or not harmful, which means they are not life threatening. Some of these conditions are linked with a higher risk of developing breast cancer later on, though. Additionally, some breast changes and conditions are accompanied by signs or symptoms, while others are only detected by a mammogram. 

Breast Pain

One of the most common breast problems is breast pain. Also known as mastalgia, breast pain is so prevalent, in fact, that up to 70% of women will experience it in their lifetime. This pain can be sharp, dull, constant, or intermittent. It can be described as throbbing, stabbing, burning, or tenderness, and can range from mild to severe. Oftentimes, breast pain occurs before or during a menstrual period. Other times, breast pain can occur at any time, unrelated to the menstrual cycle. 

Breast pain can generally be divided into two categories: Cyclic and noncyclic. Cyclic means that the pain occurs in a regular pattern. Noncyclic means that the pain is constant, or does not have a regular pattern. These types of pain have different characteristics. For example, cyclic breast pain is often described as dull or aching, while noncyclic breast pain is described as tight or stabbing. Cyclic breast pain is often caused by hormonal changes, while noncyclic breast pain is often caused by trauma or prior breast surgery.

Most times, breast pain is a symptom of a noncancerous breast condition. You should see a doctor if your breast pain continues daily for more than a couple of weeks, occurs in one specific area of the breast, gets worse over time, or interferes with daily activities. 

Breast Lumps

If you feel a lump or mass in your breast, it is normal to be concerned. However, most of the time, these lumps are non-cancerous. In fact, many women’s breasts may feel “lumpy”. This is because breast tissue naturally has a bumpy texture. If you feel that this texture is present in both of your breasts and not just in one spot, it is most likely normal. If you find a hard and firm lump, it may be due to a benign breast condition. Some reasons for discovering lumps in your breasts include:

• Breast cysts
• Fibrocystic breast changes
• Fibroadenomas
• Infections

We encourage you to check out part one and part two of our discussion about benign breast disease to learn more about these conditions!

If you find a lump that feels different from the rest of your breast tissue or feel something that differs from what you’ve felt before, you should speak to your health provider. It is extremely important to perform breast self-exams at least once per month. One of the best times to perform this exam is 3 to 5 days after your period starts, when your breasts are not as tender or lumpy. If you’ve already gone through menopause, you should perform your breast self-exam on the same day each month. You should check for any changes in breast tissue, including size, shape, and color. If you discover anything that concerns you, it is best to speak to your doctor promptly. 

Sore Nipples

Nipple soreness is a common complaint among women. This is often accompanied by itching or redness, as well as general discomfort and sensitivity. In most cases, sore nipples are caused by hormonal changes from pregnancy or menstruation. This can also be caused by allergies or even from clothing. Sometimes, tight clothing, such as bras, cause friction which irritates the nipples. This is especially common in runners! Nipple soreness can also occur during breastfeeding, due to a bad latch. If the pain is persistent and does not go away or is accompanied by a fever, lumps in the breast, or discharge from the nipples, you should see your health provider.

In our last post, we talked about pelvic floor therapy, which is a type of physical therapy that focuses on the rehabilitation of muscles in the pelvic floor after dysfunction or injury. Pelvic floor therapy can relieve symptoms such as pain or discomfort. One of the newest forms of pelvic floor therapy is EMSELLA, a breakthrough treatment that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic waves to create supramaximal contractions within the pelvic floor muscles. The Breast Place is proud to offer EMSELLA! If you are interested in learning more, be sure to check out our last post!

As you can see, these are a few of the most common breast issues that women experience. If you have any concerns at all about your breasts, we strongly encourage you to set up a consultation with one of our licensed providers for a clinical breast exam! We also encourage you to check out our aesthetics and wellness clinic, Empower, which is dedicated to helping you feel more confident in your skin. Empower offers injectable treatments such as Botox, and other facial rejuvenation services such as laser treatment and more! Additionally, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us for a consultation if you have any questions or concerns pertaining to our service areas– We are committed to empowering women, and we are proud to offer treatments and products to help you look and feel your best. Thank you for taking the time to read today’s article and we hope you’ll check back in for future posts about treatments, wellness, and more!