OVERVIEW

Breast conditions encompass a wide range of medical conditions that affect the breasts, including both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) conditions. As an important part of the female reproductive system, the breasts undergo various changes throughout a woman's life, influenced by hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, lactation, and ageing. While many breast conditions are harmless and pose no significant health risks, some may require medical attention and treatment. The breast conditions that Dr Botes treats include:

• Lumps: Lumps in the breast are abnormal growths or masses that can be felt or observed during breast self-examination or clinical examination. Not all breast lumps are cancerous; in fact, the majority of breast lumps are benign. Common causes of benign breast lumps include fibroadenomas, cysts, or areas of fibrocystic changes. However, it is crucial to have any new lump or change in the breast evaluated by Dr Botes to determine its nature and rule out any underlying concerns, including breast cancer.
• Nipple discharge: This refers to any fluid that comes out of the nipple. It can vary in colour, consistency, and quantity. Nipple discharge can have various causes, including hormonal fluctuations, medication side effects, infection, injury, or benign conditions such as intraductal papillomas or mammary duct ectasia. While most cases of nipple discharge are benign, it is essential to consult Dr Botes if the discharge is spontaneous, bloody, occurs only in one breast, or is associated with other concerning symptoms.
• Cysts: Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form within the breast tissue. They are often round or oval-shaped and can vary in size. Cysts are common, especially in premenopausal women. They usually result from hormonal changes and can cause breast tenderness, swelling, or pain. Cysts may feel smooth or firm to the touch.

TREATMENT

Surgical treatment for lumps, nipple discharge, and cysts depends on the specific diagnosis and underlying condition. It is essential to consult with Dr Botes, who will evaluate the individual case and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Here are some surgical treatment options that may be considered:

• Lumpectomy: A lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery, involves the removal of the lump along with a surrounding margin of healthy breast tissue. It is typically performed for both benign and cancerous lumps that are smaller in size and well-defined.
• Mastectomy: Mastectomy involves the complete removal of the breast tissue. It may be recommended for larger lumps, multiple lumps, or cases where malignancy is confirmed. Depending on the specific situation, additional procedures such as breast reconstruction may be considered.
• Duct excision: In cases where the nipple discharge is associated with a specific duct or ductal abnormality, surgical removal of the affected duct(s) may be recommended. This procedure is known as duct excision and aims to alleviate the symptoms and prevent recurrence.
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA): In some cases, particularly if the cyst is large and causing discomfort, FNA may be performed as a non-surgical procedure. It involves the insertion of a thin needle into the cyst to withdraw the fluid, which helps to relieve symptoms.
• Cystectomy: Cystectomy refers to the surgical removal of a cyst. It may be considered if the cyst is large, recurrent, causing persistent symptoms, or if there are concerns about its nature. During the procedure, the cyst is carefully excised from the breast tissue.