Here are some frequently asked questions related to breast reduction. Q: I’m thinking of having breast reduction surgery, but I’m worried about breast cancer. Will breast reduction make it more likely that I will develop breast cancer? A: No. The surgery does not increase the risk for cancer, nor does it interfere with routine screening techniques […]
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If the normal cells of the breast grow out of control they form a lump or tumour. The cells change in appearance and function and become abnormal. A breast lump is considered benign if it is limited to a few cell layers and does not invade surrounding tissues or organs. A benign lump is not cancer.
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Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to breast reduction. Breast reduction surgery is done to relieve physical discomfort associated with large sagging breasts. It is not performed for appearance only. Breast reduction surgery will leave permanent scars but they may fade with time. They can also be camouflaged by clothing
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The breasts are composed of fatty tissue that contains the glands responsible for milk production in late pregnancy and after childbirth. Within each breast, there are about 15 to 25 lobes formed by groups of lobules, the milk glands. Each lobule is composed of grape-like clusters of acini (also called alveoli), the hollow sacs that make and hold breast
The exact cause or causes of breast cancer remain unknown. Yet scientists have identified a number of risk factors that increase a person’s chance of getting this disease. Certain risk factors, such as age, are beyond our control; whereas others, like drinking habits, can be modified. Age The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
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‘Staging‘ is a method that has been developed to describe the extent of cancer growth. Breast cancer is ‘staged’ by information that is obtained from surgical and other findings. Specifically, information is gathered from the pathology (disease) report that accompanies a lumpectomy (lump removal), mastectomy (breast removal), or other form of breast surgery. In addition, staging is
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Although the majority of breast lumps are benign, nearly one-quarter will be cancerous. But not all breast cancers are the same. Most are carcinomas – that is, cancers that arise from epithelial (surface or lining) tissues – and most develop in the breast lobules (glands that produce milk) or tissues known as terminal ductolobular units (TDLU). Such
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The treatment of breast cancer is determined by many factors, such as tumor stage tumor type tumor characteristics the person’s general health medical conditions that may influence treatment. After breast cancer has been staged, a comprehensive treatment plan will be developed by a team of physicians, including an oncologist (cancer specialist). The treatment plan typically involves some form of surgery to remove as much of
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Amniocentesis is a procedure performed during pregnancy in which amniotic fluid is withdrawn from a woman’s uterus to test for certain problems in the fetus, such as genetic defects, fetal infections, fetal lung immaturity, or Rh sensitization. The word “amniocentesis” literally means “puncture of the amnion,” the fluid-filled sac that encloses the fetus during pregnancy.
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There are two types of tests that can be performed on amniotic fluid to show different types of problems with the fetus: Genetic amniocentesis Chemical tests The cells in the amniotic fluid contain genetic material that can be used to observe chromosomal abnormalities or defects in specific genes. Biochemical substances, like proteins and lipids, can
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In amniocentesis, ultrasound (sound wave) monitoring is used to find the amniotic fluid and the placenta, to keep track of the fetus, and to insert the amniocentesis needle away from the baby. For more detailed information about ultrasound, go to Ultrasound. Drawing Amniotic Fluid The doctor or technician conducting the test will carefully clean the skin
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Millions of women have safely undergone amniocentesis. However, the procedure does carry some risks: Miscarriage: The rate of miscarriage is estimated to be between one in 200 and one in 500. Infection: The procedure carries a low risk of uterine infection (less than one in 1,000), which can cause labor. If such an infection occurs,
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