Tag breast health

Nipple discharge is probably one of the most alarming things that can happen to a woman, but women should understand that it is relatively common and is not usually a sign of something serious.  However, it can also be an indication of different health conditions that may require attention at a medical center. It is normal for women to feel anxious upon noticing nipple discharge, but understanding the possible causes of nipple discharge can help you determine whether there is no real cause for anxiety or if you need to see a doctor immediately. Awareness about the common reasons for nipple discharge will help you get the right help if you need it.

Common Reasons for Nipple Discharge

Hormonal Fluctuations

Among the most common causes of nipple discharge is hormonal fluctuations. Women’s hormone levels fluctuate throughout their menstrual cycle, which can sometimes cause a small amount of milky fluid to leak out from the nipples. Although this discharge is not usually concerning, it is crucial for you to monitor the color and consistency and report any changes to the doctor.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are two other reasons women have nipple discharge. Pregnant women who are not yet breastfeeding may notice some discharge as their breasts prepare for milk production. On the other hand, women who have stopped breastfeeding may still observe a milky discharge months after stopping.

Fibrocystic Breast Changes

Fibrocystic breasts are characterized by lumps, which can be tender and swollen. Although this is a normal occurrence before a woman’s period arrives, it can lead to nipple discharge.

Infection or Abscess

Breastfeeding women can have mastitis or breast infection. This may result in nipple discharge. Although this is more common in breastfeeding women, it can also happen to anyone. The infection can cause a yellow or greenish pus-like discharge accompanied by breast pain, swelling, and fever. If the infection progresses, pus can build up. If you think you have an infection, visit your doctor immediately to prevent further complications.

Galactorrhea

This condition is experienced by women who are not pregnant nor breastfeeding, yet they produce milk. It is usually caused by hormonal imbalance, in particular, an elevation of prolactin, which is the hormone responsible for milk production. Other hormones that can affect milk production are estrogen and thyrotropin-releasing hormones. Thyroid disorders such as a benign tumor in the pituitary gland can cause this condition. In addition, medications like birth control pills or anti-depressants may also be responsible for galactorrhea. A physician can help you identify the problem and help address it.

Duct Ectasia

This is also known as mammary duct ectasia, which is a condition experienced by women nearing menopause. This does not mean, however, that women who are not yet menopausal do not have this condition. The fact is, it can happen to younger women too. This happens by a widening of a milk duct and thickening of its walls. This may cause a blockage to the milk duct, resulting in fluid build-up. If left untreated, this can lead to an infection.

Papilloma

These are small wart-like tumors that can cause clear or bloody discharge. Although they are usually harmless, a bloody discharge should not be taken for granted. This type of discharge may be a symptom of a more serious health condition like breast cancer. Due to this, it is crucial for you to visit a specialist for a thorough evaluation of the discharge. Remember that a timely diagnosis can greatly impact your prognosis.

Breast Cancer

As mentioned earlier, nipple discharge may be a symptom of breast cancer, especially if it is bloody or if it only comes out of one breast. A rare form of breast cancer called Paget’s disease of the breast can cause yellow or bloody discharge. Other symptoms of this cancer are itching, redness, an inverted nipple, a tingling or burning sensation, a lump in the breast, and thickening skin on the breast, among many others.

When to Visit Your Doctor?

Nipple discharge is usually not a sign of a serious health condition. However, every woman should observe their breasts for some signs that should prompt them to see their doctor.

• Discharge that occurs even without any external interference like squeezing the nipple
• Bloody or clear discharge only from one breast
• If discharge is accompanied by a lump, redness, or breast pain
• If a woman experiencing the discharge is postmenopausal

Your doctor will conduct a physical examination of your breast and possibly recommend that you undergo a digital mammogram for a thorough assessment.

Get the Right and Timely Treatment

There are many reasons for nipple discharge. Some are natural and harmless, while some need special attention from a licensed medical specialist. When it comes to your health, it is always wise to exercise vigilance. Monitoring your symptoms and visiting a healthcare specialist as soon as possible can help ease your worries and pave the way to early detection, treatment, and a more hopeful prognosis. If you cannot explain your nipple discharge, schedule a consultation with us today.

A mammogram is an essential part of maintaining the long-term health of your breasts, as it remains the primary method for helping to identify and diagnose the presence of breast cancer and other conditions. Regularly receiving a mammogram should be considered a protocol for all women. But how often should women have mammograms?

How Often Should Women Have Mammograms?

However, the guidelines surrounding the frequency with which a woman should go in for a checkup can change, leaving many people confused about how often they should engage in this activity.

If you’re thinking it might be time for you to receive a mammogram, take a look at this guide that describes how often you should head in for a 3D digital breast mammogram.

What Is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is a type of diagnostic imaging test that is an X-ray of a woman’s breast. A mammogram is considered a first line of defense for helping a physician detect the presence of cancer and other conditions of the breasts.

Mammograms are considered highly safe and are completely painless as well. Following this, there’s no good reason for one to avoid engaging in this test on a regular basis. There is some advantage to returning to the same clinic and doctor for repeat tests, as this can help your medical professional study the health of your breasts over time.

How Often Should Women Have Mammograms?

Prior to the age of 40, most physicians recommend that a woman go in for a mammogram at least once every 3 years. After the age of 40, it is recommended that a woman receive a mammogram on an annual basis.

In addition, some doctors may recommend that a woman receive a mammogram annually, even before the age of 40. In addition, the frequency that you should receive a mammogram may increase if you have a history of conditions affecting your breasts, or if you have other types of health issues that might impact the health of your breasts.

What Occurs During a Mammogram?

During a mammogram, an imagist will compress the breasts between a set of firm surfaces to spread out the breast tissue and prepare it for imaging. An x-ray then subsequently takes a series of black and white images that are displayed on a monitor to be read by your technician.

At this point, your images will be forwarded to your general practitioner for reading and analyzing. If your imagist or physician feels that further testing is warranted, then you may be referred for additional procedures or to see a specialist of some kind.

If you are referred for additional testing, it’s not necessarily something to panic about. Mentally preparing yourself for the complicated reality of diagnostic imaging tests is a worthwhile activity when you’re engaging in these types of tests.

Are There Any Risks Involved?

Mammograms are considered very low-risk medical procedures. However, you should be prepared for the following elements of a mammogram test:

• Radiation: A mammogram will expose you to a small amount of radiation.
• Fallibility: A mammogram is considered a very accurate medical test. However, mammograms can’t detect all kinds of cancers. This is why the test should be paired with a physical exam.
• Emotional Preparedness: Patients who receive a mammogram should be prepared to receive possibly extremely bad news if they are diagnosed with cancer. This includes the possibility of receiving a cancer diagnosis that is terminal, as many forms of breast cancer can be extremely aggressive.

Overall, the security provided by a mammogram is well worth the mild risks that are incurred by it. Preparing yourself emotionally in the case of disappointing results is a powerful step towards maintaining a state of health.

Preparing for a Mammogram

There are certain steps you can take to properly prepare yourself for a mammogram, as well as assist your medical personnel throughout the process. Some of the steps that can be taken in this regard include:

• Bring any prior mammogram images and tests that you may have received.
• Avoid wearing overly strong smells to your mammogram appointment
• Schedule your test for a time when your breasts are likely to less tender, away from your ovulation

Your physician may have additional advice for your preparatory period, depending on your medical history. This will be gone over during a pre-screening consultation and preparatory period that will occur before the actual test.

The Best Imaging Clinic in Texas

West Texas Health is one of the most highly regarded imaging clinics in Texas. If you feel like you might be due for a diagnostic mammogram at our women’s health center, contact us to set up an appointment.