About Breasts
Benign Breast Conditions
Fibrocystic Breasts
Breast Cancer
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Benign Breast Conditions

A benign breast condition refers to any breast abnormality that is non cancerous.
Statistics suggest that 90% of women exhibit some type of breast abnormality. Benign breast conditions are not life threatening; however, they can cause discomfort and pain in some situations. Not all benign breast conditions signal an increased risk of developing breast cancer, however some do. The most often seen benign breast conditions are benign breast tumors, fibrocystic breast condition and breast inflammation. Many benign breast conditions are not treated.

Some examples of relatively common benign breast conditions include:

• Fibrocystic Breast Condition

• Nipple Discharge

• Cysts

• Galactoceles

• Fibroadenomas

• Duct Ectasia

• Fat Necrosis

• Phyllodes Tumors

• Granular Cell Tumors

• Breast Inflammation: Mastitis

• Intraductal Papillomas

There are two types of tissues that make up a breast. These are the glandular tissues and stromal tissues. The glandular tissues are where the milk glands and ducts are located. Stromal tissues are fatty and fibrous connective tissue. Any changes in either of these types of tissues can be the cause of benign breast conditions.

It is relatively common for women to experience changes in their breast tissue over their lifespan. Some examples include:

• hyperplasia (an increase in the number of breast cells)

• atypical hyperplasia (emergence of atypical breast cells)
  Some women with atypical hyperplasia are at increased risk for developing cancerous breast tumors and may be recommended the drug tamoxifen to address these risks.

In some cases, an area of abnormal breast tissue can become a cancerous tumor. Patients with benign breast conditions and abnormal breast cells should be monitored by their doctor. This will provide the opportunity for early diagnosis of possible cancerous tumors.

Women with benign breast conditions should learn to understand their condition and how it affects their breasts. This way, a woman can learn to identify aspects of the condition and be better able to detect abnormal changes during self breast exams.

Imaginis is an outstanding website filled with information and resources about all aspects of breast health.  Learn everything you need to know about breast self exams.

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