If you are looking for information about breast cancer, you may be wondering whether the lumps you are finding are benign or cancerous. While the vast majority of lumps are benign, it is still best to see a health professional if you are unsure. Benign breast tumors do not invade healthy tissue and push aside normal tissue. On the other hand, malignant tumors release enzymes that invade healthy tissue. If you discover a lump on your breast, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Atypical hyperplasia is a rare but dangerous form of breast cancer, caused by the overgrowth of normal breast cells. It shares some features with carcinoma in situ, the early stage of breast cancer. But unlike carcinoma in situ, atypical hyperplasia does not affect a woman’s reproductive health. It is also known as neoplasia. This type of breast cancer has been detected more often thanks to increased mammography screening. If abnormal screening results are found, a biopsy and/or examination of tissue may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Other types of breast growths and abnormalities are often mistaken for breast cancer. Often, they are accompanied by swelling or redness. While these conditions don’t cause breast cancer, they do pose a risk for future disease. If a benign growth is persistent or gets worse, you should visit a breast specialist immediately. The good news is that this type of cancer is rare, so you shouldn’t worry. However, if you’re not sure what you’re seeing on your breast, you should consult a medical professional to confirm its existence.
Although a lumpectomy is a cure for breast cancer, recurrences can be a problem. Breast cancer may spread throughout the body by the lymphatic system or bloodstream, increasing the risk of further disease. The smallest breast cancers have a good prognosis, while larger cancers are associated with a much higher risk of recurrence and lymph node involvement. Nonetheless, breast cancer survivors generally have a normal life expectancy.
The National Cancer Institute’s SEER program compiles data on cancer risk and disease. It finds that women who enter menopause earlier are at a lower risk. The longer women wait to enter menopause, the longer their breast cells are exposed to estrogen. And a woman who has had a child reduces her chances of getting breast cancer. It’s possible to increase your chances by being proactive and preventing breast cancer before it starts.
In addition to your family history, you can decrease your risk by changing your lifestyle. Drinking too much alcohol or not exercising regularly is one of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer. But limiting your alcohol intake is essential as well. Although moderate alcohol consumption can improve your heart health, it can increase your risk of developing the disease. You should also limit your consumption of alcohol, as this has other risks. When choosing a healthy lifestyle, consider all the factors you can control to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.
