COIMBATORE:With more women, predominantly in the 18-25 age group, approaching CMCH with fears of breast cancer, an expert has urged them not to panic stating that not all lumps and tumours are cancerous.
This month, eight women have approached the doctors, while the number was 32 and 36 in August and July respectively.
Dr B Asokan, Professor and Head of Plastic Surgery Department, said that there are many non-cancerous conditions of the breast that could cause discomfort to women, fibroadenoma being one of them. “Fibroadenoma are benign tumours and can occur in about 7-11% of women in the 81-25 age group. Studies have found that it is a common condition and there is no need to panic,” he said.
The cause of fibroadenoma is not known but the excess secretion of estrogens and progesterone could be a reason, he said, adding that early diagnosis can help treat fibroadenoma. Surgery may not be necessary always.
Fibroadenoma can be detected through physical examination or ultrasound or mammogram. Removal of lump is required only in the case of an abnormal biopsy result or pain or chances of cancer.
Dr Asokan also suggested monthly self examination. “Inspect the breasts for anything unusual such as any discharge from nipples, puckering, dimpling or scaling of skin. Check for any kind of lump,” he said.