Questions For The Doctors
Q. I've been told I have fibrocystic breast disease. What is it, and will it cause cancer?
A. Fibrocystic breast disease, fibrocystic changes, or cystic disease are all terms used to describe the way that your breast tissue responds to hormones, aging, and certain substances like caffeine. Although it can be uncomfortable, these changes are normal and harmless.
Q. I just found a new lump (or a new pain) in my breast. Should I see a doctor? Is it cancer?
A. To be safe, a doctor should check out any new lump or pain, but most breast lumps are not cancerous.
Q. I'm not comfortable with what my local doctor told me about my mammogram or breast biopsy. Is it okay to get a second opinion?
A. Absolutely. Our doctors at the Breast Care Center stress patient responsibility, and that starts with arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible. Sometimes the doctor giving the second opinion says the same thing as the first doctor, but you need to be comfortable with your doctor and the advice he or she gives.
Q. I'm not having any problems, do I need to see a doctor or just have a mammogram?
A. That depends on several factors. To be sure, check with the doctor who knows your health history the best. That could be your family practitioner, internist, or OB/GYN. But remember that the mammogram and breast exam always go together.
Q. Who is at risk for developing breast cancer?
A. Every woman is at risk, and the risk increases slightly as we age. Men can develop breast cancer as well.
Q. I've been told I'm at high risk for developing breast cancer. What does that really mean?
A. Women with a personal history, or close female relatives (mother, sister or daughter) are at a higher risk, especially if the cancer was diagnosed before menopause. But four out of five women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
Q. My internist/gynecologist told me I need a breast biopsy. Will I get it the same day as my appointment with the surgeon?
A. There are several types of breast biopsies, and only a small number can be performed in a doctor's office. The type of biopsy needed (if any) depends on several factors, which include your medical history, mammogram and/or sonogram films, and the breast exam. On the day of your appointment, the doctors in the Breast Care Center will evaluate all of those and discuss the options with you.
Q. What are the signs or symptoms of breast cancer?
A. Changes to look for include any new thickening, swelling, lump, dimpling, skin irritation, nipple retraction, distortion, scaliness, or pain. Keep in mind that a mammogram can often pick up any changes in the breast tissue before they can be felt.
Q. I've heard that breast lumps that hurt are not cancer, while painless ones are cancer. Is this true?
A. This is not always true, which is why a physician should check any new lump.
Q. What can I do to prevent breast cancer?
A. Unfortunately, we do not yet know what causes breast cancer or how to prevent it. That's why early detection is so important. The best defense is a good offense, which should include yearly mammogram and physical breast exam by a doctor, and monthly breast self exam (BSE).
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