Women frequently experience breast-related health issues. Some individuals encounter these troublesome problems quite often, such as excessive breast swelling and pain before or after the menstrual cycle. It is important to determine whether these uncomfortable symptoms are a medical condition or merely a normal physiological response. Equipping yourself with comprehensive knowledge and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and habits, can help reduce the risk of not only breast-related diseases but also many other chronic conditions.
1. How to Diagnose Breast Problems?
First, the doctor will conduct a physical examination of your breasts. A manual examination is usually performed initially. If necessary, a mammogram or ultrasound will be prescribed to detect small lumps or other symptoms that might not be identified through a manual check.
In some cases, diagnosis and treatment may occur simultaneously. For example, a doctor may insert a needle into a cyst and extract the fluid. This simple procedure serves both as a diagnostic test and a treatment, as it removes the cyst. If the extracted fluid is clear and the cyst disappears, the doctor may diagnose it as a benign cyst, requiring no further treatment.
Many doctors choose to test the extracted fluid as a precaution. If the lump does not disappear after aspiration and reoccurs in the next menstrual cycle, a follow-up examination will be required.
If the cystic fluid contains blood, if little or no fluid is extracted, or if concerning signs are observed, a biopsy may be necessary to check for cancer.
Fibroadenomas can only be diagnosed through a biopsy. Surgical removal is often performed on the same day and is considered the only treatment in cases where the lump is large or painful. However, treatment is not always necessary.
Nipple papillomas will be surgically removed if they are associated with breast cancer.
2. Nutrition and Diet
A high-fat diet and alcohol consumption may increase the risk of breast cancer. Although no evidence directly links diet to the formation of breast tumors, some studies suggest a connection between dietary habits and cancer. For instance, avoiding caffeine may help reduce breast cysts. Additionally, lowering fat intake to below 20% of total daily calories may help shrink or eliminate lumps.
To prevent monthly breast swelling, doctors recommend maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet. A correlation has been found between low sodium intake and reduced breast swelling. Furthermore, avoiding caffeine-containing substances and foods, such as methylxanthines (found in chocolate and tea), may help alleviate breast pain.
Some doctors recommend taking daily vitamin E supplements, up to 800 IU, to treat non-cancerous breast pain.
Evening primrose oil may also help alleviate symptoms.
3. Medication for Breast Problems
For breast pain or tenderness, doctors may prescribe common pain relievers such as aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen.
Additionally, diuretics (water pills) may be prescribed to help remove excess fluid from swollen breast tissue.
If these treatments are ineffective, doctors may prescribe hormones such as danazol, which has been proven to reduce breast pain. Progesterone may also be recommended, as some studies suggest that a lack of progesterone may contribute to breast pain.
In rare cases, tamoxifen (a cancer treatment drug) may be prescribed, but it is generally avoided due to its serious side effects. These medications are only used when symptoms are severe and other treatments have failed. They should not be taken if you are trying to conceive.
4. Breast Infections or Mastitis
If you have an abscess, the doctor may make a small incision to drain the fluid and pus. If this is ineffective, minor surgery may be required. In cases of mastitis or breast infections, antibiotics will be prescribed for treatment.
5. Home Remedies
To relieve pain, apply a warm compress to the affected breast using a heating pad or a hot water bottle for 20 to 30 minutes. If using a heating pad, follow the product instructions carefully and avoid falling asleep while using it.
Your doctor may recommend wearing a supportive bra or a sports bra, even for 24 hours a day, to reduce breast movement and minimize discomfort until the pain subsides.
6. Conclusion
Maintaining breast health can be achieved by adopting healthier dietary habits, leading an active lifestyle, and performing regular breast self-examinations to detect any issues early and seek timely treatment.
To detect malignant breast cancer at an early stage, it is advisable to undergo breast cancer screening as soon as any unusual symptoms appear.
