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Occasionally, you may feel changes in your breasts, causing
them to be lumpy or tender. These changes most often occur
near the time of a womans period and are not a disease or increase
your risk of cancer. However, monthly self breast exams are
an important part of your healthcare. You should be aware of
how your breasts feel on a regular basis. Knowing what is normal
for you will help you detect any new changes that should be
checked by your doctor.
Your breasts are made up of glands, fat, and fibrous tissue,
which respond to changes in levels of hormones (progesterone
and estrogen) during your monthly menstrual cycle, pregnancy,
breastfeeding and menopause. Breast changes may also be affected
by birth control pills, implants, and hormone replacement therapy.
Fibrocystic breast changes are benign (not cancer) and can
appear as lumps, thickening, pain and swelling. Any nipple
discharge should be checked by your doctor.
Your doctor will advise you when you should get a mammogram
(or possible additional views), ultrasound or biopsy if any
abnormalities are noted. If a cyst is found, your doctor may
suggest a fine needle aspiration or biopsy. Follow up depends
on the results of theses tests.
Relief from symptoms of fibrocystic changes may be:
- avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, & chocolate)
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take over the counter pain relief (Tylenol or Ibuprofen)
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reducing your salt intake, especially the week before your
period
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