Here are definitions of medical terms related to breast cancer. Adjuvant therapy: Treatment given in addition to surgery, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy. Atypical hyperplasia: Cells that are both abnormal (atypical) and increased in number. Axillary lymph node dissection: Surgery to remove some of the lymph nodes in the armpit. Benign: Not cancerous or malignant. Breast-conserving […]
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Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on breast cancer. American Cancer Society (ACS) Phone: (800) ACS 2345 (toll-free hotline) www.cancer.org The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides a national, toll-free hotline (800 ACS 2345) that has information about breast cancer and referrals for the ACS-sponsored “Reach to Recovery” program for breast cancer. In
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Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to reduce the size of very large breasts. Breast reduction surgery is done to relieve physical discomfort associated with large sagging breasts. It is not performed for appearance only. The aim of surgery is to make the breasts smaller and to improve their shape so they are in proportion
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Breast reduction surgery is not usually done for appearance only. It is done to relieve medical problems and physical discomforts caused by unusually large breasts. These discomforts include: Back and neck pain Poor posture and deformities of the skeleton Grooves and scars on shoulders from bra straps Rashes on the skin under the breasts Breathing
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The breast reduction procedure is normally safe. But as with any surgical procedure, there are risks relating to the procedure itself or to the anesthetic. Any early sign of infection will be vigorously treated, and if bleeding occurs postoperatively, it will be immediately dealt with. Some people who have breast reduction surgery experience: Delayed wound
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How To Prepare For Breast Reduction Surgery A woman who is considering breast reduction surgery should consult a plastic surgeon. She should talk openly with the doctor about her reasons for wanting a breast reduction and what she expects from the operation. The surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, and discuss the possible complications,
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Once the stitches are in place, the incision will be covered in gauze dressing and then wrapped in a bandage or surgical bra to hold them in place. A surgical bra is somewhat like a sports bra with a front opening. It is constructed in such a way that the seams don’t hit the incision
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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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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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