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Get answers to your Breast Cancer questions.
Dr. Tkaczuk’s Bio | Q&A Archive
Breast mass
For fibrocystic changes, birth control pills are often helpful. Other women are helped by:
Call your doctor if:
Also call if:
Your doctor will get a complete history from you, with special attention to factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. The health care provider will perform a thorough breast examination. If you don't know how to perform breast self-examination, ask your health care provider to teach you the proper method.
Medical history questions regarding breast lumps include:
Tests that may be performed include:
Treatment of a breast lump depends on the cause. Solid breast lumps are often removed surgically. Cysts can be drained. Breast infections require antibiotics. If breast cancer is diagnosed, most women receive surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Discuss these options carefully and thoroughly with your doctor.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may also suggest testing for genes that make you more likely to get breast cancer.
Breast cancer screening is an important way to find breast cancer early, when it is most easily treated and cured.
Having fibrocystic breast tissue, mastitis, or breast tenderness related to PMS does NOT put you at greater risk for breast cancer. Having fibrocystic breasts does, however, make your self-exam more confusing, because there are many normal lumps and bumps.
To prevent breast cancer:
Saslow D, Boetes C, Burke W, et al. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast screening with MRI as an adjunct to mammography. CA Cancer J Clin. 2007;57(2):75-89.
Marchant DJ. Benign breast disease. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2002;29(1):1-20.
Klein S. Evaluation of palpable breast masses. Am Fam Physician. 2005;71(9):1731-1738.
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