A breast lump is an enlargement, swell, protuberance or a bump that is different than the breast tissue surrounding it. Breast lumps can appear in men as well as women and they can be benign or malignant. Causes of benign breast lumps are as follows:

Fibroadenosis: Also known as Fibro-cystic breast disease, it is a benign condition that affects the breast. It may affect either of the breasts or both. One of the major symptoms of Fibroadenosis is a breast lump. Usually, the lumpiness disappears after the menstrual cycle is over. Fibroadenosis occurs because the breast tissue doesn t respond well to the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
Fibroadenomas: Fibroadenomas occur because of abnormal response to the hormone oestrogen. The lumps are usually well formed and round, around the milk ducts of the breast. Breast lumps due to Fibroadenomas are called breast mice, because they move around the breast. In some cases, they disappear and in some, they tend enlarge during pregnancy.
Other benign causes of breast lumps are breast abscesses, breast cysts, lipoma (lump of fat), mastitis (infection in the breast tissues), fat necrosis (another name for breast lumps) and intraductal papilloma (benign tumour of the milk ducts in the breast). A breast lump that is firm, well defined and doesn t move around, i.e. it doesn t disappear after your period or pregnancy, may be a result of breast cancer.

Treatment of breast lumps
The treatment of a breast lump depends on its cause. Benign breast lumps usually disappear over time. Otherwise following treatments can be considered as per the doctor s discretion-

Medication: If the breast lumps are painful or increase over time, it is advisable to take medication.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other painkillers like paracetamol
Danazol, Tamoxifen or Bromocriptine are administered to treat breast pain as well
Antibiotics which are administered to cure breast abscesses that are caused due bacterial infections
Limiting the amount of fat in the diet or wearing well fitting bras also reduces the amount of pain due to breast lumps.
Certain types of breast lumps are filled with fluid or pus. This fluid can be drained through a procedure called aspiration or drainage.
A radical way to treat a breast lump is surgery. Many a times, these lumps get bigger and painful and the most effective way to deal with it is to remove it.

Breast Lumps - How Can They Be Treated?

Causes and symptoms of enlarged prostate

The problem of an enlarged prostate or benign prostate hyperplasia is a very common occurrence as you grow older. It's known to strike men above the age of 50, with more than 50% of men after the age of 60, having this complaint.

Causes of enlarged prostate

A non-cancerous condition, enlarged prostate makes the passing of urine from the bladder through the urethra difficult. The multiplication of the prostate cells causes an enlargement of the gland, leading to a buildup of pressure on the urethra, affecting the discharge of urine from the body. The narrowing of the urethra, due to this benign condition, forces the bladder to contract more vigorously so as to push urine out of the body.

As time passes, the muscles of the bladder get significantly affected, causing them to become extremely sensitive, thicker and stronger. As a consequence, the bladder begins to contract, even if the amount of urine in the organ is negligible, causing episodes of frequent urination. Gradually, the bladder fails to completely empty itself of urine due to the constriction of the urethra. This can give rise to a number of health problems including the formation of bladder stones, urinary tract infections, blood in the urine and so on.

How can you identify the signs of the condition?

Signs of enlarged prostate are very easy to identify and include:

- A slow or weak urine flow
- Difficulty in initiating urination
- Instances of frequent urination
- A feeling of not completely emptying one's bladder
- Frequent urination during the night
- Exerting a lot to urinate
- Instances of dribbling
- Urgency to pass urine
- A feeling of urinating again minutes after doing so
- Urination that starts and stops



What Leads to an Enlarged Prostate?

Why Papaya is the God of Perfect Skin

Use a particular face wash and your face is free of all dead cells. it's not so simple. To dissolve the dead cells, the protein in the cells must be broken down. The only effective ingredients to do the job are AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids. This is why many skin exfoliating products contain AHAs. 


Papain, which is found in Papaya has similar properties. Papaya is a safe and natural, plant-based alternative to chemical exfoliants. To remove dead cells, gently massage papaya pulp on your face for about 5-7 minutes. Rinse your face alternatively with warm and cold water.  Remember not to overdo it though! Papaya is an acidic fruit, so don’t let the mask sit on your face for too long as it might cause dryness and skin irritation.




Do You Know: Why Papaya is the God of Perfect Skin?

What are Different Types of Bariatric Surgeries? 

Bariatric Surgery is one of the most popular options for obese people looking for a way to control their weight. To get bariatric surgery, one has to qualify for certain criteria like BMI (Body Mass Index), associated comorbidities like Diabetes, Hypertension, sleep apnea, infertility, hypercholesterolemia etc. There are many kinds of bariatric surgeries or weight loss surgeries, different surgeries work differently in order to give the desired effect, which is why it is important to understand these surgeries thoroughly. 

Weight loss surgeries are divided into different categories like - 

  Restrictive surgeries: Some bariatric surgeries are focused on limiting the amount of food that can be stored in the stomach. This allows a person to eat less than they used to, because of the limited capacity of the stomach. Sleeve gastrectomy, Adjustable gastric banding, Gastric imbrication, Gastric balloon surgery are examples of restrictive procedures. In sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach is divided into two halves first, then one half of the stomach is completely removed. The remaining part of the stomach is formed into a tube-like structure. This tube-like structure cannot hold enough food and restricts excessive food intake. It also limits the secretion of an appetite hormone called Ghrelin which limits the desire of a person to eat. 

  Malabsorptive procedures: In this procedure, a large segment of the small intestine is bypassed i.e the food is not allowed to enter a large segment of the small intestine and hence malabsorption will be there. Duodenal switch is a malabsorbtive surgery. 

To Summarize: The weight loss procedures that suit our Indian population are the Roux en Y gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy. We do not come across any sign of malnutrition in patients who have undergone these procedures. For successful outcomes, vitamin, calcium and protein supplements are required. 

There are certain myths about bariatric surgery --- life will never be normal after the surgery, pregnancy is a problem after this surgery, one will never be able to eat after this surgery, marriage is a problem after this surgery etc. All these are incorrect as one live a better life after the surgery as one has shed the extra kilos, one is cured of existing problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity induced infertility and sleep apnea extra. IN FACT, the quality of life is phenomenal after this surgery. CHOICE of surgery depends on the existing BMI, existing associated problems and results of the investigations that are done prior to the surgery. Your surgeon is the best to decide the right procedure for you. As the procedure which your friend has undergone might not be good for you. Choice of procedure and proper follow up are the key points for a successful surgical outcome. 

  Combination of restrictive and Malabsorptive surgeries: In these procedures, the surgery is done on the stomach as well as the small intestine. It involves creating a small stomach pouch which is attached to the small intestine, thus bypassing a small segment of the small intestine to get the desired effect if the person has diabetes associated. The rest of the stomach produces important digestive juices and is also connected to the intestine so that it can transfer these digestive juices in it. As a part of the stomach and few centimetres of the small intestine are bypassed i.e food does not enter this part, the surgery is called the gastric bypass. The Roux en Y gastric bypass and the Mini Gastric bypass surgeries are examples of these combination procedures.

Bariatric Surgeries - Know Forms Of Them!

Vaginal cysts are closed packets of fluid, air or pus which develop along the vaginal lining. Vaginal cysts are of many types, and they are usually caused by accumulation of fluids, childbirth-related injuries or non-malignant tumors in the vagina. Usually these cysts do not yield many symptoms, but may cause a little discomfort.

Treatment might not be needed in case of cysts which are tiny. However, larger cysts would definitely warrant medical attention.

Types of Cysts-

The commonly occurring cysts are:

Gartner s Duct Cysts: This duct forms around a woman s reproductive canal during pregnancy and it disappears post childbirth. If the duct remains even after the delivery, it may lead to fluid accumulation, thus resulting in a cyst.

Vaginal Inclusion Cysts: Any injury to the vaginal walls, especially during childbirth or surgery, can lead to vaginal inclusion cysts.

Bartholin s Cyst: Bartholin s gland is situated near the vaginal opening. A flap of skin covering this gland may lead to accumulation of fluid. This fluid accumulation usually leads to a cyst which is called a Bartholin s cyst.

Treatment-

Usually, cysts in the vagina do not require any treatment. Most of the cysts do not grow in size and thus do not cause major problems. A biopsy of the cyst may require in order to rule out chances of cancer. A common treatment for vaginal cysts would be to sit inside a bathtub filled with warm water so that the cyst is allowed to soak in the water. If there are symptoms of infection in the vagina, then antibiotics are required.

If the size of the cyst is large and filled with fluids, then a catheter needs to be inserted into it to drain out the cyst. Usually, the catheter is kept in place for a few weeks before it is removed. A surgical procedure called marsupialization is used in some cases, wherein an incision is made around the affected area and into the cyst in order to drain out its contents.

Surgery to remove the entire cyst may also be recommended to prevent its recurrence.

Vaginal Cysts - Types and Treatment

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition which occurs due to unhealthy food habits and sudden lifestyle changes. This condition causes the stomach acid to travel in a reverse direction and enter the esophagus. If changes in your food habit and lifestyle do not cure you of this condition, then a surgical procedure is recommended.

What are the different surgical methods of treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease?
The different forms of surgery that can be used to treat this condition have been explained below:

Fundoplication: Fundoplication is one of the most common surgical methods recommended to patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease. The lower esophageal sphincter or LES is tightened with the help of this surgery. The strengthening procedure is accomplished by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the outer part of the lower esophagus. Both open and laparoscopic surgical options are available for this surgery.
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication or TIF: In this surgical procedure you do not have to undergo any incisions. A barrier is made between the esophagus and the stomach. This barrier will work to prevent the acid of the stomach from entering the esophagus. A special device is inserted through the mouth of the patient which helps in creating several folds at the base of the esophagus, these folds form a new valve or barrier. Thus you do not have to undergo any incisions at all if you opt for this procedure. Those who are looking for a non-invasive method to treat their gastroesophageal reflux disease, this procedure is no doubt one of the best.
Bard EndoCinch System: This is a special type of surgery that is accomplished with the help of an endoscope. Although it is not one of the common methods to treat the problem. In this procedure, several stitches will be made in your lower esophageal sphincter so that they result in the formation of valves.
Stretta Procedure: This procedure is also performed with the help of an endoscope. But this is an outpatient procedure and you will be discharged on the same day. A flexible tube is inserted into your esophagus and the other end of this tube has an electrode. This electrode will help in heating the tissues of your esophagus. It will also form small cuts in it. The scar tissue that results from this procedure helps in stopping the acid from flowing in the reverse direction. It also strengthens the muscles that are present in the surrounding area.
These surgical procedures are very successful and have the ability to give you long-term results. Many complications such as the inflammation of the esophagus, can be avoided if you opt for a surgical treatment as a cure for gastroesophageal reflux disease. 

Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease - How Surgery Can Be Of Help?

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