Dr. Atul Wadhwa

Noticed an unusual lump in the breast while in the shower? Then, the first thought you get might be cancer. But no need to hit the panic button though, as not all such lumps are cancerous. However, opting for immediate medical evaluation is necessary whenever one notices the presence of swelling or lumps in the breasts is found.

What are breast lumps?
The term breast lumps refer to localized swelling or bumps or bulges in the breast, which doesn’t feel as same as the breast tissues around them or like that of the normal breasts. There are a number of reasons that can cause breast lumps.

Who can develop breast lumps?
It is often the hormonal changes such as menstruation that is responsible for causing breast lumps, which usually disappears naturally in most cases. Both the boys and the girls may develop breast lumps that feel tender during their puberty. Such breast lumps are temporary and go within a few months. Increased levels of estrogen can also cause breast lumps in a baby, but that too disappears once the estrogen returns to normalcy.
But when breast lumps don’t go away even after puberty or after menstruation and continue to grow bigger, making the breasts appear bruised, turning the skin of the breast area like an orange peel or causing bloody discharge from the nipple, it’s time to visit a doctor immediately. Upon evaluation, a mastectomy might be advised.

What is mastectomy?
The term mastectomy refers to the surgical procedure of breast removal. There are five different types of mastectomy which are, total mastectomy, preventive mastectomy, partial mastectomy, the radical mastectomy and modified radical mastectomy. Depending on a person's age, size of the tumor, general health, tumor stage and grade, involvement of the lymph nodes etc., which type of mastectomy will be ideal is determined.

When mastectomy becomes necessary?
In situations where large lumps formed in the breasts, or the lumps being present in the middle of the breast or cancer has spread in more than one single area in the breasts, mastectomy becomes necessary. Plus, those, who already have gone through radiotherapy for their breast cancer are usually suggested to opt for mastectomy.

Remember, though popular and most effective, mastectomy is not the only way of dealing with breast lumps. Depending on the size, location, spreading and the type of lump, whether it's a tumor or spreading as cancer, the treatment may vary from person to person. Hence, it's a doctor who can best guide you by performing necessary medical evaluation and tests and help opt for a treatment option that is ideal. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!