Healthy breast tissue; It consists of fat, connective tissue (support tissue), glands, 15-20 sections called lobes
and its smaller sections, lobules. The lobes and lobules are connected to each other by thin tubes called ducts, which end at the nipple
. Since the density of these structures is different in each woman, the size, shape and feel of the breasts also vary. It is not possible to define a normal breast structure
as there will be changes in the woman's breast tissue throughout her life
. Breast structure; Age, menstrual periods, pregnancy, breastfeeding, birth control pills and menopause affect the breast structure. In order to easily understand these
differences that occur in breast tissue at every period, it is important for a woman to know her breast structure very well and to notice the changes that may occur in the first place.
Breast. What is cancer?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Approximately one in every 12 women in our country will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. The incidence of breast cancer increases with advancing age. Therefore, for the early diagnosis of breast cancer after the age of 40, it is necessary to apply annual mammography, doctor's examination and monthly self-examination. With these methods, it will be possible to detect breast cancer early. Breast cancer, diagnosed early, is a completely treatable disease. Breast cancer is the aimless and uncontrolled proliferation of the milk-producing cells that form the breast parenchyma or the cells that form the milk ducts. It takes a long time for cells to multiply and grow. Proliferating
cells can spread to other organs of the body via lymph and blood. The aim is to diagnose breast cancer when it is a small mass inside the breast, before it spreads through the blood and lymph. Treatment is completely possible in patients diagnosed at this stage
.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
The cause of breast cancer is not yet fully clear. However, some factors that may pose a risk for breast cancer are known.
The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman. Female gender represents a 100-fold increased risk
a woman Although the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 8, most of this risk occurs with advancing age.
The risk is even higher in menopausal women. Because the effect of estrogen on the body continues
and genetic vitality continues.
Seeing the first menstrual period before the age of 12 and entering menopause after the age of 55 also means being exposed to the estrogen
hormone. An increase in the length of stay increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
Those who have a first-degree relative with breast cancer, such as a mother or sister.
Those who have never given birth
Those who have never breast-fed.
Those who gave birth after the age of 30
Those who are over the age of 50
Early first menstrual period (before the age of 12), late menopause (over the age of 50)
Those who are over the age of 50 p>
Women who are obese and drink excessive alcohol
Those who have previously had breast cancer in one breast and the other breast
Those who carry the breast cancer (BRCA) gene
First birth Using birth control pills for a long time beforehand
Radiation therapy to the chest area also increases the risk of breast cancer. The greatest risk is in those who received treatment before the age of 15. Because when they reach the age of 40, the risk of getting breast cancer increases to 35%.
Consumption of 1-2 glasses of alcohol every day has an effect on the increase of breast cancer.
Fat. Long-term consumption of foods with high content also increases the risk of breast cancer.
Early diagnosis of breast cancer?
A possible early detection of breast cancer in women who have no complaints or masses about their breasts
The methods used to make a diagnosis during the period are called "SCREENING METHODS"
. This should usually start after age 40. However, it would be appropriate for women to become conscious and check their breasts with a monthly self-breast examination, starting from the age of 30
. Scanning methods are done in 3 ways.
1. Annual Mammography:
Annual mammography after the age of 40 in women who have no complaints about their breasts
allows breast cancer to be detected before it reaches a palpable size. For those with a family history of breast cancer, their first mammogram should be performed starting from the age of 32. “Hereditary” meme
For cancer, these checks should start at the age of 26. Mammography is performed with special types of X-rays.
The breast is compressed between two plastic plates. It gives information about benign and malignant masses and suspicious
microcalcifications in the breast.
2. Self-examination every month
It is an easy method for women to examine themselves regularly every month. This check should usually be done 4-5 days after the end of menstruation. Women who have gone through menopause and women who have had uterine or ovarian surgery should have their breasts examined periodically, once a month, on the same day. During breast self-examination,
breasts are checked by taking off the clothes above the waist, in front of a mirror, while taking a shower, and while lying on your back.
In this way, women who do their own breast examination every month can recognize the tissues inside their own breast and immediately notice the differences outside of it.
3. Annual doctor's examination
After the age of 40, women who have no complaints about their breasts should consult a doctor
to have an examination.
Is every lump detected in the breast cancer?
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90% of palpable breast masses are not cancer. Non-cancerous masses called fibroadenomas or cysts are very common at young ages. Fibrocystic changes may appear as a palpable mass in middle and older ages. Just because the masses are painful or painless does not mean that it is cancer. However, it is necessary to clarify what a different structure or mass palpable in the breast is.
Just because it is painless does not mean that it is not important. When a lump is noticed in the breast, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
What is breast self-examination?
Every Woman Over the Age of 20 Should Examine Herself Once a Month
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The most appropriate time for breast examination; For menstruating women, it is the 2nd or 3rd day after the end of menstruation. Because these days; These are the days when swelling and sensitivity in the breasts, which occur due to the hormonal effect resulting from the menstrual period, are least. Therefore, in this period when tenderness and swelling in the breasts are at their lowest, the examination can be performed more easily and possible lesions can be detected. It is easier to arc. Women who have gone through menopause or
women who do not menstruate for any reason (pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc.) should use a certain day of the month (such as the 3rd or 5th day of each month) for this examination. They may prefer.
Breast self-examination is performed in three stages.
Visual Examination in Front of a Mirror
Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room and examine the breasts as described below.
It is observed as follows.
Breasts are observed from the mirror with the arms at the sides.
The arms are raised up, the hands are placed behind the head and the breasts are pressed towards the head.
The muscles are contracted and the breasts are observed.
Both hands are pressed on the hips, the shoulders and elbows are taken forward and the breasts are examined visually.
Manual Examination While Standing
It is done after a visual examination. This examination can also be done in the bathroom under the shower. Examination becomes easier as fingers move more easily on wet and soapy skin during shower
. The right breast is examined with the left hand and the left breast with the right hand. The left arm is lifted up and the patient is examined carefully and slowly by drawing circles on the left breast with the inner surfaces of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers of the right
hand, and the left armpit is also checked. . Then, the nipple is gently squeezed to check whether there is any discharge. After the left breast and left armpit examination is completed,
the right breast and right armpit are examined in the same way.
Manual Examination While Lying on Your Back
You lie on your back and If the left breast will be examined first, a small pillow is placed under the left shoulder and the left arm is lifted behind the head. Thus, the breast spreads over the chest wall and easier
examination is provided. Then, the left breast is examined by drawing circles with the inner surfaces of the fingers of the right hand.
Additionally, the left armpit area should also be examined. After the left breast examination is completed, the right breast is examined in the same way.
Features and Changes to be Investigated
Changes in the general size or shape of the breast
Outline of breasts Change in the breasts.
Enlargement, shrinkage or shrinkage of one of the breasts
Visible swelling in the breasts
Discoloration of the breast skin and widening of the breast skin vessels
Depression on the breast skin
Wound on the breast skin
Small swellings on the breast skin
Orange peel appearance on the breast skin
Enlargement, flattening of the nipple, collapse, crusting, crack, discoloration, wound, direction
change of direction
Discharge from the nipple
Visible swelling in the armpit
Breast palpable swelling, hardness
palpable swelling or hardness in the armpit
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
The suspicion of breast cancer is usually felt when a lump is felt (the patient or by the doctor) or
It begins with the recognition of an abnormal area on mammography. Most of the time, these swellings and suspicious areas are not cancerous. However, the only way to be sure is to have follow-up tests such as diagnostic mammography, ultrasound imaging
and even biopsy, which can provide additional information.
If an area looks suspicious on imaging, a biopsy is performed. The cell or tissue taken from the abnormal area is examined by the pathologist. The pathologist then sends a report containing his findings to the doctor who performed the biopsy.
In this report, known as the pathology report, the appearance, cellular character and
of the breast tissue are examined. It contains information about whether the cells are normal or abnormal. The pathology report is vital for both the patient
and the healthcare center team – decisions regarding treatment are made based on
the information contained in this report.
Non-Cancerous (Benign) Breast Conditions
Non-cancerous breast conditions are very common. Most breast changes that are biopsied and examined under a microscope give benign results. Although benign breast conditions are not life-threatening, they can cause bothersome symptoms and are sometimes associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer in the future. These diseases
They are classified as follows:
Fibrocystic Breast
Women's
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