Throughout a woman’s life, her breasts undergo many changes.
Some common reasons why changes occur are.
1. pregnancy.
2. breastfeeding.
3. changes in hormones during each period.
4. weight loss or gain.
5. Aging.
At some point in life, many women experience breast changes that are different from the usual hormonal changes. Most of these changes are not cancerous and are harmless, but it is important to have them checked by a physician to ensure that nothing is wrong. You have recently been to your physician and sought advice about changes in your breasts. All the information gathered by the physician suggests that there is no disease in the breast. The changes in your breasts may be unusual for you, but they are not signs of cancer or other disease.
How does the physician know it is not cancer?
To be sure that your breast changes are not cancer or other disease, your physician has considered.
1. your age and family medical history.
2. history of breast changes.
3. the results of a physical examination and ultrasound, mammogram, MRI or other tests as needed
4. whether you are still menstruating or if you are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Why do breasts change?
The breast is made up of the milk-producing system, fat, lymph glands, blood vessels and nerves. There is no muscle in the breast, but there is some fibrous tissue. Lumps, tissue that feels like string or thick threads, and dense masses of tissue are generally natural and normal. In general, changes in normal breasts occur slowly, but these changes may be suddenly noticeable.
During menstruation or HRT (hormone replacement therapy), the breasts are sensitive to hormonal responses. The hormone called estrogen increases just before menstruation, causing the milk ducts and mammary glands to swell. This allows fluid to collect in the breasts, leading to swelling and lumps.
Young women generally have denser breasts because their milk production system may require them to nurse their babies. Sometimes, this denseness feels like a lump or mass of tissue.
As women get older, their milk-producing system shrinks and is replaced by fat. By menopause, most women’s breasts are completely flaccid. This may make normal lumps more visible.
Sometimes, women notice that their breasts feel different when they lose or gain weight. Sometimes, breasts change without a clear reason. It may also be difficult for your physician to explain why your breasts have changed. If this is frustrating, be sure to discuss your feelings openly with your physician or other advocates.
What now?
Your breast changes will not increase your risk of developing cancer. You should follow the breast cancer screening recommendations for your age and family medical history. All women should be alert to unusual changes in their breasts. If changes in your breasts are different from your normal hormonal changes, they should be examined by a general practitioner or specialist.
Sensations
For many women, abnormal changes in the breasts can be distressing. It can cause many feelings and concerns, and the fear of developing cancer is understandable. It is also common to find that the exam is stressful and invasive.
Most of the time women feel relaxed when they learn that breast changes are the result of a common condition that is harmless or not dangerous. However, some women sometimes worry that they may have cancer. Some women also find that breast pain affects their sense of self, sexuality, relationships, or job performance.