Benign Breast Disease

There are a large range of benign breast conditions that can affect the breast. Some of these conditions may require surgical management but some can be treated with conservative measures after ruling out malignancy.

Excisional biopsy

Excision biopsy of a breast lesion. This is usually coupled with hookwire localization to allow excision of a targeted lesion. This is usually performed when core biopsy does not allow adequate diagnosis and a larger sample is required for further assessment.

Excision of a breast lesion

Surgery involving excision of lesion (usually palpable). This allow complete excision of tumour to be assessed by pathologist to ensure diagnosis.

Mastalgia (Breast Pain)

Mastalgia can be cyclical (related to natural hormone variations), non-cyclical, or referred pain. Common possible causes of referred pain include shoulder bursitis, nerve impingement in the neck, musculoskeletal pain or rib pain. Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to experiencing mastalgia include: Nicotine, Methylxanthines / caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola), Alcohol, Ill-Fitting Bras & High dietary fat intake. After breast assessment if there are no abnormalities breast pain can often be managed with abstaining/reducing intake of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Wearing a well fitted bra is also useful as well as simple analgesics such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen.

Some patients find benefit from Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)a natural source of linolic acid. Using an EPO supplement (dose 2-3 grams daily) can decrease pain symptoms in some people, particularly those with cyclical mastalgia. It is available over the counter.

Nipple Discharge

There are various causes of nipple discharge. The majority of nipple discharge is due to a variation in normal physiology or to an underlying medical problem. Nipple discharge is occasionally due to breast cancer, although most causes of nipple discharge are benign. The most common reasons for a patient with nipple discharge to require surgical intervention are: intra-ductal papilloma (50%), fibrocystic change (35%), breast cancer (5%), prolactinoma (<5%), or breast abscess (<5%). Most nipple can be treated surgically with either a microdochectomy or a total duct excision.

Gynecomastia