A. GENERAL INFORMATION When it comes to breast diseases, although it seems to be seen only in women, it concerns both genders. Breast tissue, which is a passive gland in men, is active in women. The structure of the breast changes constantly. In women, the changes that become evident with puberty continue until after menopause. There are many factors that affect breast structure and function, such as age, pregnancy, menstrual period, hormone medications and breastfeeding. Therefore, all of these should be taken into consideration when evaluating breast diseases. B. SYMPTOMS OF BREAST DISEASES The most important symptom of breast diseases is the changes that occur in the last few weeks or months. To notice this, regular breast self-examination is necessary. Only in this way can new changes be noticed. These findings are: – Palpable mass-nodule – Nipple discharge – Redness in the breast – Pain in the breast – Collapse of the nipple – Change in the breast skin (hardening, orange peel appearance) – Swelling in the armpit C. EXAMINATION AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS Every breast complaint is breast cancer. However, each complaint should be evaluated carefully. Early diagnosis of breast diseases is very easy with regular and careful examination and follow-up. Self-examination should be performed at least once a week. If there is even the slightest doubt, a doctor should be consulted. A medical check-up is recommended once a year for patients who have no complaints. In addition to a doctor's examination, imaging methods such as ultrasonography, mammography and MRI are used to make a diagnosis. Routine annual mammography checks are recommended for patients over the age of 40. The physician must decide which test will be requested and when. Patients sometimes think that just getting an MRI is enough and that this is the best. In reality, neither of them replaces the other, they are complementary methods. Patients with a family history of breast cancer are in the high risk group. Screening should start at earlier ages and be done more frequently. In some special cases, risk assessment is performed with DNA tests for breast cancer. D. BENEFICIAL DISEASES OF THE BREAST AND THEIR TREATMENTS 1. Breast cysts: It is the most common condition. Breast cysts are not breast cancer and do not increase the risk of breast cancer. However, since it takes up space in the breast, it may cause late detection of breast cancer during examination. There is no specific treatment for cysts. The most common complaint is breast pain. Cysts that are very large can be drained with a needle. In this way, the sample is taken and the pain is reduced. Sometimes cysts can become infected and abscess. In this case, both antibiotic treatment and drainage of the abscess are required. When pain occurs in multiple and small cysts, the use of painkillers and a tight-fitting bra is recommended. 2. Fibroadenoma: These are benign structures of the breast. There may be more than one. If it is small, it can be followed up after the diagnosis is confirmed by needle biopsy. It does not always need to be removed surgically. If there is aesthetic concern in the breast or there is doubt in the diagnosis, the mass can be removed by surgery. 3. Mastitis: It means breast infection. There is redness and pain along with swelling in the breast. Antibiotic treatment must definitely be started. If the patient is breastfeeding, breastfeeding should be stopped, but the milk should be completely expressed and poured out. E. BREAST CANCER AND ITS TREATMENT Breast cancer is a very general term. There are many subtypes of breast cancer. Therefore, there is no single option or method in breast cancer treatment. However, surgical technique has changed significantly in recent years. Among surgical options, breast-conserving surgery is now preferred. With the addition of developing radiotherapy (radiation-ray therapy) and chemotherapy (drug therapy), Very successful results are achieved. In this way, there is no need to remove the entire breast. Again, by studying the sentinel node, there is no need to clean the armpit in every patient. In this way, problems such as arm edema and movement restriction are observed less frequently in patients. In summary, there is no single treatment for breast cancer. Appropriate treatment is selected and applied for each patient.
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