Second Opinion on general mammology

A second opinion on general breast care issues may be of help in the case of a number of non-malignant conditions including:

• congenital abnormalities;
• maldevelopment of the mammary gland;
• painful breasts (mastodynia);
• swellings, lumps, cysts (mastopathy);
• inflammation (mastitis);
• benign neoplasms (fibroadenomas, mammary duct papillomas) and cysts.

Most breast conditions are benign and not life-threatening. Often, no treatment is needed. In contrast, breast cancer can mean the loss of a breast or life. Therefore, it is many women's greatest fear. However, potential problems can often be identified early with the help of regular self-examination, doctors visits and mammography screening in accordance with physician recommendations. Early detection of breast malignancy can be instrumental in successful treatment.

Symptoms of breast disorders

Conditions related to the breast are quite common. Worldwide, they are the reason for more than 15 million doctor appointments each year. These symptoms include:

• breast pain;
• lumps;
• nipple discharge;
• breast skin abnormalities (lumps, dimples, redness, thickening)

Breast complaints do not necessarily mean that a woman has breast cancer or another serious disease. For example, breast pain that occurs monthly and is related to hormonal changes before a menstrual period does not indicate a serious disorder.

However, it is necessary to see a doctor, for example, if there is a mass palpably different from the rest of the breast tissue, or a lump that adheres to the skin or breast wall.

Breast disease evaluation

A key element for an accurate assessment is obtaining a comprehensive case history, including present and past complaints, family history, etc.

In a remote consultation, it may be part of the preliminary procedure, the case history being taken by way of filling out a detailed questionnaire.

In the majority of situations, some kind of imaging studies will also be necessary. They may include X-ray (mammogram), ultrasound, and breast MRI. Each radiology diagnostic procedure has its specific purpose. Their use depends on the patient’s age, physiology, complaints, and, sometimes, family history relating to breast disorders.