Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Book Appointment
Treatment
Ask a Question
Plan my Surgery
Health Feed
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Health Feed
tab_logos
Find Doctors

Breast Problems: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Last Updated: Mar 03, 2020

What are Common breast problems?

Breast problems refer to the umbrella term used to describe different breast diseases. These are the common breast problems:

  1. Breast pain: This is one of the most common problems in female and it mostly occurs due to the hormonal changes in the body which occur during the menstrual cycle.
  2. Adenosis of the breast: This is the condition in which milk-producing glands of the breast becomes enlarged than usual. Most of the time this condition occurs in women who already suffer from cysts in the breast.
  3. Breast calcification: In this condition, there is the deposition of calcium inside the breast tissues. Thus during the mammogram, there is the appearance of white spots on the breasts. This accumulation of calcium is non-cancerous.
  4. Galactorrhea: This is the condition in which there is a discharge of milk from both breasts. But this problem is not associated with milk production but the breasts leak once it is touched.
  5. Hyperplasia: Hyperplasia is also known by the name of proliferative breast disease. In this, the cells which surround the ducts or milk glands grow in number.
  6. Cysts: The formation of cysts takes place when fluid gets trapped inside the breast tissues. Cysts are a common problem in females aged between 35-50. Usually, cysts go away with the occurrence of menopause. Though cysts do not cause any kind of harm in the body but it should be taken care of that it does not form cancer.
  7. Fibroadenomas: These are a kind of lumps that formed by glandular and fibrous tissues. Fibroadenomas are harmless and seem to be firm and rubbery but have a smooth texture. This is a common problem in females aged between 20-40. Usually, fibroadenomas are painless but they become tender at the time of menstrual periods.
  8. Lobular carcinoma in situ: This is an uncommon condition. In this abnormal abnormal cells start forming in the mil glands of the breast.
  9. Nipple discharge: This is again the most common problem in females but generally not a big issue. It is common in females who breastfeed their children. But if it is regular then you can go to the doctor and have a proper diagnosis done.
  10. Cracked, sore, itchy nipples: This is a problem with the female who breastfeeds. In this, the skin which surrounds the nipple gets cracked and painful. But if these changes do not take place at the time of breastfeeding or pregnancy then you should definitely visit the doctor.
  11. Inverted nipples: This is the problem which is not that common and occurs in some females only. In this, the nipple is turned or inverted and this can occur generally after a woman stops breastfeeding.

What are the symptoms of breast problems?

The symptoms of breast problems are as follows:

  • When there are pain and a feeling of fullness in one or both the breast due to menstrual periods.
  • Redness, warmth or discharge of milk from the nipple can be another reason for the problem in the breast.
  • If there is the formation of a lump in the breast which is movable and is attached to the chest then it can be a lump. But in most cases, it is not harmful.
  • If a lump is formed and it is not movable or is only fixed at one place and is painful then it can be a sign of breast cancer. You should visit a doctor if you see any of these symptoms.
  • Nipples pulled inwards
  • Changes in the shape of the breast
  • If the swelling of the breast does not go away

What causes breast problems?

The causes of the following breast problems can be :

  • Breast pain: Sometimes specific medications can also cause breast pain which includes contraceptive pills. Other than this breast pain can also be caused by hormonal replacement therapy.
  • Hormonal changes: A woman goes through a number of hormonal changes in the body. Sometimes they are good and sometimes bad. Thus changes in the hormones can also cause problems in the breast which include lumps, swelling and tenderness in the breast.
  • Galactorrhea: The causes of Galactorrhea can be pregnancy, oral birth pills, kidney disease, certain medications, or some kind of injury or trauma.
  • Inverted nipples: The exact cause of inverted nipples can be any kind of trauma or disease. Other cause can be inflammation or scarring of the tissues.
  • Fibroadenomas: The main reason for fibroadenomas can be reproductive hormones.
  • Cysts: The exact causes of cysts in the body can be an infection, clogging of the glands, etc.
  • Change in the nipple color: This can be caused by the inflammation, itching, redness, rashes in the skin that surrounds the nipple.
  • Breast lumps: The causes of breast lumps can be Fibroadenoma, Breast cysts, Infection, Fat necrosis. Lipoma: The exact cause for lipoma can be the growth of fatty tissues inside the breast. This is non-cancerous and can get healed on its own.

How to Do a Breast Self-Examination?

Topic Image

These are the steps in which breast self-examination can be done:

  1. Step One: For checking any dissimilarity between two breast you can go and stand in front of the mirror and examine carefully. Though the breast size differs from each other still you need to see if there is any difference, lumps or inverted nipples.
  2. Step two: The second step is done in order to check if there are any traces of cancer present. For that, you need to stand in front of the mirror by putting your hands at the back of your head. Standing in this position helps in visualizing the proper shape and changes in the lower part of the breast.
  3. Step three: In the third step take your hands and place them on the hips and bend sideward and press your shoulder and elbows forward. Then look into the mirror that if there is any change of note.
  4. Step four: This step is done in order to check if there are any kind of lumps present in the breast. For checking this first you need to raise your left arm and them with the fingers of your right hand move the fingers around your nipples in the circular motion. Then press the breast firmly and check it properly that if there is any formation of lumps.
  5. Step five: This step is done to check if there is any discharge from the nipples. In this, you need to squeeze the nipples gently and see if there is any discharge or not.
  6. Step six : In this step, you need to lie in the bed by putting a pillow under your left/right shoulder and keep the arm over your head. This step lets your breasts flatten and helps it examine properly. You can repeat the 4th and 5th step again for each breast.
pms_banner

Various Diagnosis and Tests to detect breast problems:

These are the diagnoses that can be done to detect breast problems:

  1. Breast ultrasound: In this, with the help of the machines sound waves are produced in order to take the detailed picture of the breast. The machine is called a sonogram and it makes things easier.
  2. Diagnostic mammogram: If there is the formation of lumps inside the breast or there is any other abnormality in the breast then this test which is a diagnostic mammogram is done in order to get a detailed X-ray of the breast.
  3. MRI: In this, the whole body is scanned and the detailed pictures of all the abnormalities in the breast can be figured out.
  4. Biopsy: This test is done in order to remove the fluid and tissues from the breast and then it is tested under the microscope to get a detailed view do proper testing.

How are Breast Problems treated?

These are the various kinds of treatment options available:

  • Breast pain: This can be cured by taking medication which includes OTC (Over the counter) painkillers and also by wearing a well-fitted bra.
  • Adenosis of the breast: This is not a disease that needs to be worried about and it is not usually treated until and unless there are no symptoms that need to be bothered about.
  • Breast calcification: Calcification of the breast is often harmless and there is nor need for it to be treated. Breast calcification is non-cancerous but yes it should be monitored every month. A mammogram should also be done once a year.
  • Galactorrhea: The possible treatment for Galactorrhea can be medications that include levothyroxine which is given to balance the insufficient hormone which is produced by the thyroid gland. Some of the medications are also given to shrink down the tumor and if not by medication then surgery is required.
  • Hyperplasia: This is generally treated by doing surgery in which the abnormal cells are removed which are responsible for cancer.
  • Nipple discharge: For stopping the nipple discharge medication is prescribed which includes bromocriptine. It helps in stopping the milky discharge from the breast.
  • Inverted nipples: There can be various treatments for inverted nipples which include: Breast shells, modified syringe or breast pump, stimulation of nipples before feeding, reverse pressure softening, nipple shield.

Are there any side effects?

Chemotherapy or radiation therapy which is used to treat breast cancer, usually have many side effects such as high fever or fatigue, dry mouth and soreness, nausea and diarrhea, infection and skin rashes. Surgical procedures such as lumpectomy and mastectomy result in pain, bleeding, temporary swelling, infection, seroma, hematoma and numbness.

How long does it take to recover?

The usual recovery time after a surgery takes about 3-4 weeks. However, if certain complications or side effects are observed post treatment, it can take longer to heal.

What is the price of the treatment in India?

The cost of treatment for breast problems roughly varies between Rs.50,000 to Rs.15 lakh, And also multiple sessions of chemotherapy and targeted therapy can cost up to Rs.20 lakh.

Are the results of the treatment permanent?

Although the results of the treatment are mostly effective and long-lasting, they are not always permanent. In case of breast cancer, if the disease recurs, the choice of treatment will depend on your health condition and the area in which it has recurred.

How can breast problems be prevented?

These are the ways in which breast problems can be prevented:

  • Breastfeeding: This is again one of the best ways to prevent breast cancer. A woman is protected from breast cancer for a longer period of time if she breast-feeds her child.
  • Quit smoking: Premenopausal women must quit smoking as it can be one of the causes of breast cancer in them.
  • Limiting alcohol: Alcoholism is one of the most major problems of breast cancer. If alcohol is taken in large amount then it increases the risk. Therefore there must be a limit.
  • Weight control: Being overweight can also increase your breast problems. The problem persists if you become overweight at your menopause. Therefore weight should be kept normal to remain risk-free.
  • Physical activities: Another way to prevent breast cancer is to remain physically active. Physically active women have a lesser risk of developing breast cancer.
  • Avoid exposing yourself to pollution and radiation: These can be another cause of breast because radiation and environmental changes play a prominent role in the formation of breast cancer.
  • Silicone implants: These are another problem from which a woman suffering from. The risk of breast cancer increase by silicone implantation. Therefore before these implants, all the risks should be calculated. It can cause bleeding, scarring, infection or changes in the nipples and breasts.

What are the Home remedies to treat breast problems?

These are the home remedies that can be done:

  • Applying a heating pad to the breast gives relief from pain.
  • Wearing a sports bra can also help as it lessens the breast movement and also reduces discomfort in the breast.

What are the alternatives to the treatment?

Alternative treatment method for breast problem can be hormonal therapy, primarily to reduce the count of estrogen hormone in your body which is a probable cause for breast lumps or cancer.

References

Popular Questions & Answers

View All

I am female 52 years underwent ultra sound to m...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Sunita Kothari

Gynaecologist

Hello dear user ,welcome to Lybrate .com. I have read your issue, and acording to me you should g...

I have fibrocystic breasts, and fibroadenoma 1•...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Barnali Basu

Gynaecologist

The medicine has been found effective in reducing fibroadenoma. Try it for 3 months and if you do...

Dr. I have heard about some ayurvedic medicine ...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Prakash Chhajlani Dedicated Service Since 1986

Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon

You can take them since they do not harm but in alopathy we do not think that any of thm will giv...

Doctor, my wife's treatment for breast cancer w...

dr-ashu-oncologist

Dr. Ashutosh​ Tiwari

Oncologist

Yes, there are various side effects of breast cancer treatment. Few side effects are long-term, w...

Hello doctor. I am a 42 years old male and my w...

dr-ashu-oncologist

Dr. Ashutosh​ Tiwari

Oncologist

Natural treatments of breast cancer include- acupuncture (this unblocks the internal energy lines...

Table of content

Content Details
Profile Image
Written ByDr. Anand Bhatt MS - Obstetrics and Gynaecolog,PG Diploma in IVF & Reproductive Medicine,Advanced Infertility & ART trainin,MBBS,Diploma in Minimal Access SurgeryGynaecology

Find Gynaecologist near me

pms_banner
chat_icon

Ask a free question

Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

posted anonymously
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube

Having issues? Consult a doctor for medical advice