2019 Paint the Paper Pink

Page 64 2019 Paint the Paper Pink Lincoln Daily News October 2019 Not all lumps are cancer Don’t assume the worst, but do see your doctor B enign (non-cancerous) breast conditions are very common, and most women have them. In fact, most breast changes are benign. Unlike breast cancers, benign breast conditions are not life-threatening. But some are linked with a higher risk of getting breast cancer later on. Some breast changes may not cause symptoms and may be found during a mammogram. But sometimes they can cause symptoms that are like those from breast cancer, so it can be hard to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. If your symptoms or mammogram results suggest that you may have a problem with your breast, your doctor will take more steps to find out what it is. Fibrosis and Simple Cysts in the Breast Many breast lumps turn out to be caused by fibrosis and/or cysts, which are non- cancerous (benign) changes in breast tissue that many women get at some time in their lives. These changes are sometimes called fibrocystic changes, and used to be called fibrocystic disease. Fibrosis and cysts are most common in women of child-bearing age, but they can affect women of any age. They may be found in different parts of the breast and in both breasts at the same time. Fibrosis Fibrosis refers to a large amount of fibrous tissue, the same tissue that ligaments and scar tissue are made of. Areas of fibrosis feel rubbery, firm, or hard to the touch. Cysts Cysts are fluid-filled, round or oval sacs within the breasts. They are often felt as a round, movable lump, which might also be Continued n