Breast Reconstruction Surgery

breast x-ray examination

Breast reconstruction is performed after a mastectomy. The aim is to replace the breast tissue that is removed to restore or “re-create” the shape of the breast. This can be done at the same time as a mastectomy or at any time after the procedure. The uptake of breast reconstruction in Australia has been relatively […]

Radiotherapy

breast x-ray examination

If you have breast conserving surgery, you will almost certainly be recommended radiotherapy. Occasionally, people who have a mastectomy may also be recommended radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is localised treatment with x-rays to destroy any cancer cells that may be left in the breast, chest wall or axilla after surgery. Usually, this entails treatment once a day, […]

Endocrine Therapy

breast x-ray examination

Some of the tests done by a pathologist on your breast cancer identify whether the cancer has receptors for oestrogen (ER) or progesterone (PR). These hormones can be produced by the ovaries before menopause, and from other tissues (especially fat cells) after menopause. About 80% of breast cancers will have oestrogen receptors – which means […]

Using the internet

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A new diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelming. You will want to find out as much information as you can about your treatment options. There is a lot of information available on the internet. Some of it is up-to-date and of high quality, while some of it is of variable quality and accuracy. Many […]

Breast lumps

breast x-ray examination

Any new breast lump should be discussed with a doctor. Although breast lumps are common and usually benign (non-cancerous), they can be a warning sign of breast cancer. As such, timely investigation and treatment of breast lumps is important. What causes breast lumps? There are many conditions that can cause breast lumps including: Breast cysts Fibroadenoma […]

Nipple Changes

breast x-ray examination

Any new nipple symptoms should be discussed with a doctor. Although nipple changes are often a benign breast condition, they can be a warning sign of a developing breast cancer. As such, timely investigation of any breast changes is important. Common nipple conditions include: Nipple skin changes Inverted nipples or retracted nipples Nipple discharge How are […]

Fibroadenomas & Phyllodes tumours

breast x-ray examination

Fibroadenomas A fibroadenoma is a benign lump that evolves from the fibrous tissues in the breast (stroma). They are very common, with over 10% of women having at least one fibroadenoma in their lifetime. Many women will have multiple fibroadenomas. Most fibroadenomas are diagnosed in women between 15 and 40 years of age. They are […]

Breast pain

breast x-ray examination

Breast pain (or mastalgia) will affect three quarters (75%) of women during their lives. It may be accompanied by fullness, lumpiness and a heavy or dragging sensation. Mastalgia is not a symptom typical for breast cancer, but any new breast pain should be discussed with your doctor. Cyclical mastalgia Most breast pain varies throughout the […]

Nipple discharge

breast x-ray examination

Discharge of fluid from the nipple is very common. Fortunately, most nipple discharge is benign, meaning that it is rarely due to a cancer. Nonetheless, all new nipple discharge should be investigated. The lactiferous ducts that come from the milk-producing breast lobules concentrate into the nipple, and anywhere from five to fifteen will open onto […]

Gynaecomastia Surgery Information

breast x-ray examination

Gynaecomastia refers to enlargement of breast tissue in men. Men have a very small amount of breast tissue compared to women. Gynaecomastia can be on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the chest wall. Overweight males tend to carry more fat on the chest wall, but this is not true gynaecomastia. What causes […]