CONDITIONS
Breast disorders

Breast cancer

Breast cancer arises from a mutation in the breast cells and usually starts in the patient’s breast ducts or in the glands that produce milk. Cancer cells contaminate healthy breast tissue and can advance to lymph nodes in the armpits. Once cancer cells infiltrate the patient’s lymph nodes, the cancer can migrate to other regions of her body. Untreated breast cancer causes severe complications.

SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER
  • A lump in the breast
  • Breast discomfort or pain
  • Breast discolouration
  • Nipple discharge (not milk)
  • Flaky or scaly nipple skin
  • A lump under the arm
  • Change in breast shape or size
REASONS FOR BREAST CANCER
Obesity, smoking, age and hormones are some of the many risk factors related to developing breast cancer. Genetic mutations can also occur therefore it is important to know if anyone in your family has or had breast cancer.
BREAST CANCER TREATMENT
The level of treatment for breast cancer depends on its stage and type. The patient’s health, age, diagnosis and medical records are significant factors that contribute to Dr Singh’s choice of treatment. The doctor may either perform a lumpectomy to remove the breast tumour and lymph nodes under the armpit for biopsy or a mastectomy to remove the breast.

Fibroadenoma

A fibroadenoma is a non-cancerous painless lump in the breast. Although a Fibroadenoma is not a severe condition, it does require treatment. Fibroadenomas are small benign tumours that can be found in both breasts. These tumours are rubbery and mobile but not tender.

Symptoms of a fibroadenoma
A fibroadenoma is a marble-like, rubbery lump in the breast that moves around under the skin when touched. A fibroadenoma is also round in shape and firm with smooth edges.
Reasons for fibroadenomas
A fibroadenoma is likely to occur during the patient’s early twenties or what’s known as the reproductive years. Fibroadenomas can grow during pregnancy or when a patient undergoes hormonal therapy. They are, however, likely to shrink as a woman ages, when her hormone levels drop, and she gets closer to menopause.
Fibroadenoma treatment
Surgery to remove the fibroadenoma is only required if the tumour is large and causes symptoms. Dr Singh performs a lumpectomy to remove breast tissue for biopsy. A biopsy confirms or rules out signs of cancer and helps determine if the lump is, in fact, a fibroadenoma.

Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharge is a liquid that exits the nipple either by force or on its own. Nipple discharge occurs during a woman’s reproductive years and usually isn’t a cause for concern. However, nipple discharge could be a symptom of breast cancer. A breast exam is the only way to rule out breast cancer.

SYMPTOMS OF NIPPLE DISCHARGE
Fluid may seep from either one or both nipples. The colour of the discharge varies and may appear cloudy, cheese-like, clear or bloody. Other signs of nipple discharge include:
  • Breast pain or discomfort
  • Swelling around the nipples
  • Nipple discolouration
  • Change in breast size
REASONS FOR NIPPLE DISCHARGE
Even a woman who is not breastfeeding can experience nipple discharge. Men may also experience nipple discharge due to breast cancer or a condition known as gynecomastia that causes breast tenderness. Nipple discharge arises from hormone fluctuations due to the use of birth control pills. Other reasons for nipple discharge include:
  • A breast abscess
  • A benign growth in the milk duct (duct papilloma)
  • Breast injury
  • The use of antidepressants
  • Breast cancer
NIPPLE DISCHARGE TREATMENT
Because the colour of nipple discharge varies, Dr Singh performs a physical exam and asks her patient about the colour of his or her discharge before she can decide on a suitable treatment plan. Green-coloured discharge is usually a sign of a cyst in the breast. Brown-coloured or cottage cheese-like discharge is a sign of a blocked milk duct, and yellow-coloured or pus-filled discharge is a sign of a nipple or breast infection. Ultrasound of the breast and examination of the discharge under a microscope are performed to exclude cancer. Dr Singh prescribes antibiotics to treat a breast infection, but an abscess requires drainage.
 
 
 
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT