Breast Health

Approximately 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the United States. Early detection is a critical part of fighting the cancer. In addition to breast cancer, there are many conditions and health needs that are associated with breast care. To ensure that you receive the proper care for your needs, Jordan Valley Surgical Specialists has a team of experienced surgeons to help with diagnosis, treatment and recovery of breast diseases. In addition, Dr. Jane M. Porretta specializes in breast health and can assist you with any of your breast health needs.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

There are several factors that increase your risk for developing breast cancer. Some of these include family and personal health history, age and race. One of the most important aspects of fighting breast cancer is early detection.

There are five simple steps that you should follow to increase your likelihood for early detection:

1. Perform a monthly self-exam

2. Schedule a yearly clinical breast exam

3. See a doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your breast

4. Learn about your personal and family health history and ways to reduce your risks

5. Schedule yearly mammograms beginning at age 40

What is a Tumor?

Cells in the body go through a life cycle of their own. Cells grow and divide as needed by the body, and old or damaged cells die and are replaced by new cells. When new cells are created without the old or damaged cells dying, the normal cell life cycle is interrupted, and tumors can result from the excess tissue. There are two types of tumors that can grow within the body: benign and malignant.

Benign tumors are generally harmless, as they do not spread to other tissues around them or to other areas of the body. They are not life threatening and do not usually grow back once they are removed. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can be terminal. This is because they can spread to other areas, tissues and organs in the body. Even when they are removed, these tumors occasionally grow back.

Signs of Tumors in the Breast

While breast cancer does not usually produce significant symptoms early on, a tumor growing in the breast can cause notable changes in the breast. For example, tumors can change the physical appearance of the breast, or even how the breast feels. The following are possible signs of a tumor growing in the breast area:

• Changes in size or shape of the breast
• Bloody or other discharge from the nipple(s)
• Change in texture of the skin on the breast, such as puckering
• A lump or thickening area in or around the breast

It is very important that if you discover anything unusual in or around your breasts that you contact your healthcare provider to analyze your findings to learn whether a tumor is benign or malignant.

Self-exam Tips

By completing regular (monthly) breast self-exams, you will be able to know the normal appearance and feeling of your breasts, which will allow you to distinguish when something out of the ordinary arises. You should consider the way your breasts feel, as well as their physical appearance.

• Look at yourself in the mirror with hands at your sides and with hands raised. Watch for any unusual shapes/textures on or around your breasts as you do this.
• Move your three middle fingers in small circular motions up and down your breasts (one at a time), feeling for lumps or thickening
• Make note of any bloody or other discharge coming from the nipples