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Not all lumps are cancerous…

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The Swaziland Breast Cancer Network’s (SBCN) July theme states: ‘Not all lumps in the breast are cancerous’ – but if you find a lump or other change in your breast get it checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

A new lump in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer, but not all lumps or lumpy areas are cancerous.  Women’s breasts can change or develop a degree of lumpiness at certain times of the month, or with changes in weight or age.  
It is important to remember that only a small percentage of breast lumps are actually cancer, in fact, around one in 10 lumps found in the breast is actually malignant (cancerous).
The key to successful diagnosis and treatment of any breast lumps is immediate attention by an experienced medical professional.

Two main types of lumps or tumours can be found in the breast; those that are benign and those that are malignant. Benign tumours are harmless lumps (often fibrous tissue); while a malignant tumour indicates that the lump is cancerous.   Malignant tumours have the ability to spread to the other parts of the body.
Regular breast self-examination (BSE) helps a woman to know the ‘normal’ size, look and feel of her breasts, and to detect a new change or lump early.  Yet BSE alone is not sufficient to diagnose whether a breast lump is benign or malignant.

Discovery

When a new lump is discovered it is likely that your doctor will order additional tests like the fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy.  In this procedure a small sample of the breast lump is taken and the cells are examined under a microscope.   An ultrasound may be another examination the doctor recommends. Ultrasound scans can show if the breast lump is solid or fluid-filled.  A lumpectomy (lump removal) and /or mastectomy (breast removal), and chemotherapy are possible methods to treat any malignant lumps.

Classified

When cancer is detected and treated in its early stages, the chance of full recovery is far greater.  Breast cancer is classified according to the tumour size and extent of metastasis, or spread to other areas of the body. The four main stages of breast cancer are outlined below. Stage 0 and stage 1 breast tumours are most easily managed, while stage 2 tumours and above are difficult to treat.

Stage Description of Breast Cancer Stages

Stage 0: Very early stage: cancer has not spread (in situ)

Stage 1: Early stage; tumour is less than two cm (one inch) wide and has not spread outside the breast

Stage 2: Tumour is small (2-5 cm), or has spread to axillary (armpit) lymph nodes, or both

Stage 3: Tumour is larger than 5 cm and has usually spread to axillary lymph nodes; may have spread to chest or overlying skin

Stage 4: Tumours of any size, usually affecting lymph nodes; has spread to other parts of the body such as bones, lungs, or liver (secondary tumours)
Please remember that “Not all lumps in the breast are cancerous” – but if you find a lump or other change in your breast get it checked by a doctor as soon as possible.  

Throughout the year SBCN runs two breast care clinics staffed by doctors and nurses experienced in breast and cancer care.  
Clinic details:
*    Tuesday morning from 9am–1pm at the  Manzini Municipal Council
*   Thursday from 9am–1pm at Mbabane Government Hospital, Room 4 in the Out Patient Department (OPD)
    
For more information please contact the Swaziland Breast Cancer Network during office hours on 404 9270 or 551 4476. Email: sbcn@realnet.co.sz

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