Lumpy Breast

Do you have lumpy boobs? Oops, I know that is getting a little personal, however today I want to write a little about breast care. As we all have been taught by either our mother, the doctor, the nurse, or even on the TV news, checking our breast for lumps or masses in very important. It can save your life. This information is for both women and men. Men can get breast cancer just like females. In today’s life, it’s becoming more common for men to be diagnosed with breast cancer than it was 20 years ago. I feel that it’s because of all the hormones that are added to our meats, but that is just my opinion. Anytime you feel a lump, do not keep feeling it and aggravating it. Go straight to your doctor and have it checked by a professional. In this article I want to speak about fibrocystic changes or fibrocystic disease. Both terms mean the same thing. What is fibrocystic disease? Benign breast conditions or changes are terms used for changes in a breast that are not cancerous.

These breast changes include solitary benign lumps as well as generalized lumpiness and other changes that can occur as a result of hormonal fluctuation. The body’s reaction to the ups and downs of natural hormones may cause small pockets of fluid to form. This can lead to an increase of fibrous, rubbery tissue in the breast. Usually this increase of fluids from the breast tissue are collected and carried out of the breast by the body’s lymphatic system. At times during the hormonal fluctuation of the monthly cycle, there may be more fluid than the system can handle, therefore small spaces in the breast may fill with fluid.

This may appear as a thickness or lumpiness which may or may not be tender or painful. These thickness’ or lumps usually increase in size and degree just before a menstrual period and decrease a week or so after a menstrual period. How common is fibrocystic changes? It is approximated that at least 50 percent of healthy, normal women experience tenderness or “lumpy” breast. It is most common between the ages of 35 and 50, but can be diagnosed in women from their 20’s to the time of menopause. The frequency of both clinical and histologic fibrocystic change decreases progressively after menopause. Does having a benign breast change increase the risk of breast cancer? Benign lumps do not turn into cancer and most benign breast changes do not increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. However, there is a small number of women with fibrocystic benign changes that can have a moderately increased risk of breast cancer. These women can be identified by examination by their physician. What is the treatment for fibrocystic benign breast conditions to consider? If the lump is a cyst, it can be aspirated by the physician to remove the fluid. If it doesn’t disappear, the cyst can be removed surgically. Dietary and lifestyle changes can be very important!

A few recommendations we were taught in medical school to help fibrocystic changes had to do with dietary and lifestyle. The following is a few supplements that can be bought from your local health care provider or health food store:

*** Check with your health care physician before treating yourself. Vitamin E 600 IU daily Primrose Oil 1,500 mg daily Coenzyme Q 10, 50 mg, 1 in the morning and 1 at night Kelp 640 mg, 1 three times a day Vitamin A, 15,000 IU a day Natural Beta-carotene, 15,000 IU daily with meals Vitamin B-complex, 50 mg, 1 three times a day with meals Vitamin C 500mg, 1 four times a day

Eliminate from your diet foods and beverages containing caffeine and similar chemicals called methylxanthines. This may help decrease pain, tenderness and cyst development. A few beverages, foods and drugs containing methylxanthines are:

Foods Prescription Drugs Nonprescription Drugs
Chocolate Fiorinal Midol
Cocoa Migral Cope
Coffee Darvon Anacin
Tea (not herbal teas) Repan Vanquish
Colas and other caffeine containing beverages (read the label) Synalgos No-Doz Aqua-Ban

Wearing a sports bra for added support may also help with the discomfort. Eat a low fiber diet. Include more raw foods in your diet, including grains, nuts, seeds, apples, bananas, grapes, fresh vegetables, and yogurt. Beans and whole grains are also important.

Words to Consider:

* Take pleasurable walks each day (after each meal when possible) to promote the vital function.

* Outdoor life among the fresh air and sunshine favor health in both young and old.

* There are many interesting hobbies and rewarding occupations.

* Sometimes we need to take a vacation to improve or restore our health.

* Your right place is a happy place. To be in your right place is to be happy!

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