Dr Shashta Sawh
As breast cancer awareness and breast health education increases through the use of television, Internet and other forms of social media, it is not surprising that I am encountering many women at Pink Hibiscus with concerns about how breast cancer presents.
At our clinic, many women ask, “How would I know if I have breast cancer?” In one of our previous Pink Hibiscus articles, we discussed the naughty lumps—the “cancer lumps.” However, while the most common presentation and easily detectable sign is a breast lump, we should be mindful that all lumps may not be “naughty” cancer.
It is for this very reason that self breast examinations are important in getting to know what a woman’s normal breast tissue feels like. For every woman, breasts may feel different compared to another. For some, breasts may consist of mainly fatty tissue and gives a smooth feeling when examined and for others, they may have more fibroglandular tissue and tend to feel “lumpy” under your hand when examined.
Many of my patients become very concerned with the latter which may simply represent fibrocystic tissue. Fibrocystic breast tissue is a common condition and does not lead to cancer.
Women with this type need to be diligent with these examinations so they can report any changes to their breast specialists. Nonetheless, once a lump is felt or the suspicion of one is there all women should be assessed at a specialist breast centre.
Many women may also have very innocent breast lumps known as simple cysts. These are fluid-filled sacs and not solid. They may tend to come and go or get larger and painful closer to the menstrual cycle. A woman can have one or multiple cysts in both breasts. Your doctor at the breast clinic would be able to let you know by simply performing an ultrasound; a painless and cost-effective scan.
These simple cysts do not lead to cancer and in most instances are left alone. However, some can become quite large and bothersome or if your breast specialist has any suspicion due to strong family history of breast cancer, a procedure to aspirate the fluid can be done and sent to a laboratory for testing.
Women, usually under the age of 30, can present with solid lumps that are benign—“innocent,” known as fibroadenomas. These are perhaps amongst the most common benign, non cancerous solid breast lumps. They may appear as smooth, mobile lumps which may change in size or tenderness due to hormonal changes. They do not lead to cancer. Your breast specialist may choose to test this lump simply to confirm its innocent nature after which it can be left alone or removed.
Removal of these fibroadenomas were once done by surgery, leaving behind a scar. However, with advances in technology these can now easily be removed at the bedside with local anaesthesia by vacuum mammotomy—a scarless, painless procedure at a specialist breast centre.
Whilst all lumps may not be cancer, it is important that once a woman feels a lump or is concerned about breast changes that it is sorted out at a breast clinic. In this way, the breast specialist at the centre can assess the changes and perform any necessary tests required all under one roof, allowing hassle-free and comprehensive breast health care.
Dr Shashta Sawh
Breast Physician
Pink Hibiscus Breast
Health Specialists
5 Adam Smith Square, Woodbrook,
Port-of-Spain.
Contact: 627-1010
Web site: www.pinkhibiscustt.com