Daedong Hospital Breast and Thyroid Center, High Survival Rate Cancer if Detected Early
Manager Kim Byung-hyung: "Prompt Diagnosis First When Breast Mass Is Found"
A lump that can be felt in the breast is called a breast mass. Breast masses can be caused by breast cysts, fibroadenomas, breast cancer, and other conditions. [Image source=Clipart Korea]
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] A lump you can feel in your breast?could it be breast cancer?
All lumps or tumors that occur in the breast are called ‘breast masses’.
Not all lumps felt in the breast are cancerous. Breast masses can be caused by breast cysts, fibroadenomas, breast cancer, and others, among which breast cancer is a malignant mass.
Breast cysts, also known as fluid-filled cysts, are hollow lumps that change according to the menstrual cycle due to hormones secreted by the ovaries. They mainly occur in women over 35, increase until menopause, and then decrease in frequency after menopause.
Fibroadenoma, the most common breast disease among Korean women, occurs when part of the breast tissue excessively proliferates, mainly affecting young women in their 20s and 30s.
Since it is influenced by hormones, its size can change according to the menstrual cycle, enlarging during pregnancy and breastfeeding periods and shrinking after menopause.
Among the various cells that make up the breast, one can undergo genetic mutations leading to cancer; generally, cancer arising from the glandular and ductal epithelial cells is called breast cancer.
One common symptom of breast cancer is a breast mass, and since it is difficult to distinguish benign from malignant by oneself, it is important to get a prompt diagnosis if a breast mass is felt.
Breast masses are usually palpable when about 2 cm in size. If benign, there are no skin changes, the lump is soft, and it moves easily when touched.
If malignant, the lump does not move easily, feels hard, and skin changes such as dimpling or an orange peel texture may occur.
Dr. Kim Byung-hyung, head of the Breast and Thyroid Center at Daedong Hospital (specialist in surgery), said, “The incidence of breast cancer is relatively high among young people in Korea, so it is important to perform self-examinations 3 to 4 days after the end of menstruation every month starting at age 20, and from age 40, regular checks through the national cancer screening program are necessary.”
Dr. Kim advised, “Breast cancer is highly treatable with a high survival rate if detected early, so if a breast mass is found, it is crucial to get a prompt diagnosis and start treatment quickly.”
To determine the cause of a breast mass, medical history and palpation are performed first, and depending on the case, mammography, breast ultrasound, and biopsy may be conducted.
For benign tumors, removal surgery or follow-up observation is done depending on size, growth rate, and pain, while for diagnosed breast cancer, treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are applied according to the stage.
Starting in April, ultrasound examinations performed for suspected breast and axillary diseases or for monitoring breast diseases such as breast cancer can be covered by health insurance based on medical staff judgment, reducing the financial burden on patients.
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