Women who want comprehensive care of their body from trained specialists should visit a breast health center. In the last decade, many women’s breast health centers have opened up to cater to the medical needs of women of all ages. Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The solution to survival is early detection through regular self-exams and annual mammograms. However, many women have an unknown fear about mammograms, breast biopsies and male doctors. For this reason the majority of breast health centers are staffed by all female professionals who offer more private, personal, warm and relaxed environment. Moreover, these health centers also provide onsite radiologists who will quickly read your mammograms. The centers also have several types of cancer specialists who will provide you with the best options to treat your cancer.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
How is paget’s disease of the breast usually treated?
The treatment of Paget’s disease of breast requires surgery. The type of surgery depends on the extent of cancer and size of the mass. Surgery options include a simple mastectomy –which entails remove of the entire breast but the lymph nodes under the armpit are not removed. If the lesion is small, the surgeon may perform a lumpectomy. This breast conserving surgery only involves the diseased portion of the breast along with the nipple and areola.
Most patients under go radiation therapy afterwards to ensure that all cancerous cells are killed. Lumpectomy is not recommended if the female does not want to undergo radiation therapy afterwards. However, plastic surgeons can help reconstruct the nipple and make the breast look cosmetically acceptable. After surgery, some women may also undergo adjuvant therapy with anti cancer drugs or hormonal therapy. The type of treatment will depend on certain tests and presence of certain receptors on the breast cancer cells.
Does paget’s affect both breasts normally?
Paget’s disease of the breast is a rare disorder which usually presents with features of an eczema or dermatitis centered around the nipple. Paget’s disease of the breast is usually seen in older women and is often mistaken for a skin rash. The skin around the nipple appears red, may be crusty, scaly and may itch. On physical exam, there is usually a mass felt under the nipple. Paget’s disease usually affects one breast. The skin changes tend to fluctuate and often the diagnosis is delayed. The delay in diagnosis is usually an error on part of the doctor- who treat it as an eczema. The cause of Paget’s disease of the breast is not known but it is widely believed that some underlying cancer cells travel though the milk ducts to the nipple and spread on to the surrounding skin.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
How long does a silicone breast implant last?
There is no procedure that will give you a younger, attractive looking breast forever. Implants usually last a few decades if you look after them. Today doctors to recommend that you have regular MRI after an implant for the first few years, but this is costly and you have pay for the test. Breast implants are great and can turn you into an erotic goddess. However, when things go wrong, you will wish that you had never heard the word plastic surgery before.
What are the options when there is a breast implant rupture?
Well, the treatment depends on the size of the leak. If the leak is very small, then the surgeon may just observe it, especially if you do not have symptoms. The typical options include removal of the implant and allowing the tissues to heal. After a few months, if you still have money, you have the implant back again. If you do not like silicone, you can now go with a saline implant. If you have had enough of breast implants, then you have two choices, one is a breast lift which will cost you another $3,000-$8,000 or you have to learn to like saggy breasts- and that may mean taking some prozac also.
How can I be sure that my breast implant has ruptured?
Most women will feel that something is not right with their breast. If you have any of the symptoms discussed above or feel that you have damaged your implant, it is best to see a doctor. Breast implant rupture can easily be diagnosed with an MRI. Other tests, which can also be used to detect rupture, include ultrasound or CT scan. Of course, these tests will also cost anywhere from $ 400-$1,000
What are the usual features when a silicone breast implant ruptures?
In most cases, when the leak is small women generally do not have any symptoms or outward signs. However, if the leak is mild to moderate, most women will have the following symptoms:
- Pain of varying degrees-in most cases it is bearable
- Some women may experience a burning or tingling sensation at the site of rupture
- Others may experience numbness at the site of rupture
- If the leak is significant, it may also cause the skin to become red
- In almost all cases, the area around the leak is firm and hard. The texture of skin will definitely will different
- The breast may feel knobby or woody
- In some cases, the breast size and shape may be distorted
Can a small leak in silicone breast implant change shape of my breast?
After a silicone breast implant, if you have pain or change in the shape or size of your breast, a leak must be ruled out. When the breast implant is first inserted, a fibrous capsule or scar tissue forms around the implant. When the silicone leaks, it incites an inflammatory reaction of this scar tissue. This will present as pain and hardening of your breast. You will notice that the skin texture around the leaked site is different or firm. Many women complain of an odd ache or discomfort when a leak occurs.
I had silicone breasts implants recently and think I may have a rupture. Is this dangerous?
Breast implants are sturdy and durable but they sure can rupture. When a breast implant ruptures, the silicone leaks around the breast and can cause development of a thick firm scar. This may lead to pain and asymmetry of the breast. You will definitely notice a chance in the contour of the breast. Over the years, there has been a lot of controversy if the ruptured implant can cause cancer or other collagen vascular disorders. Some people say it does and some say it does not. The best advice is to see your surgeon and let him decide the next course of action. You can rest assured- managing a ruptured implant is an expensive undertaking.
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