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Taking care of your breasts is important not only from the point of view of beauty, but also health. One or two times a year, you should visit a mammologist, and the rest of the time, the examination can be carried out independently. WDay.ru will tell you how to do it.
Watch carefully!
Self-examination is simply necessary, even if you visit a mammologist, because sometimes tumors develop in a matter of months. You can carry out the procedure every month from 5 to 12 days of the menstrual cycle. The main thing is to imagine what is a sign of the norm, and what is the reason for going to the doctor. So…
There are lumps in the chest
Everything is okay: and should not be completely uniform to the touch. Inside the gland there are 15-20 “lobules”, consisting of glandular tissue, separated by connective septa and adipose tissue. It is them that you feel under your fingers during self-examination.
You should consult a doctor: if something like a small bump or pronounced induration is felt. And in this matter it is better to play it safe, since some neoplasms in the tissues of the mammary glands cannot be probed. For example, tumors and cysts less than 1 cm in size and not uncommon microcalcifications (calcium deposits).
You should not delay the trip to the doctor, because the earlier the treatment is started, the better and faster you will cope with the problem.
You should consult a doctor: if something like a small bump or pronounced induration is felt.
Breasts suspiciously ache Thus, each time before menstruation begins, the body prepares for a possible pregnancy.
To minimize discomfort a few days before the onset you can reduce salt intake – this will reduce the likelihood of edema. Gentle self-massage of the breast, which disperses the blood and fluid in the tissues, helps well.
You should consult a doctor: if there are pains around or under the nipples, severe chest pain occurs, and nipple coarsening begins against a background of high temperature. All these signs can be symptoms of mastitis – inflammation of the mammary glands.
It also happens that the source of chest pain is in a completely different place. This sometimes happens with diseases of the lungs, bladder and spine.
Chest pains are constant
You should consult a doctor: such pains indicate a possible mastopathy (one or more benign tumors). To alleviate the condition, refuse products that contain methylxanthines, such as tea, coffee, chocolate, carbonated drinks. Reduces pain and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other medications – iodine preparations, diuretics, and blood circulation medications – must be prescribed by a doctor.
Swollen lymph nodes
Seek medical attention: Swollen lymph nodes in the axillary, subclavian and supraclavicular regions are especially alarming. Most often by malignant tumor (cancer) cells spread. If you notice a thickening of the skin in the area of the tumor or a change in the shape of the mammary gland or nipple, be aware that in this case, visiting a mammologist in the very near future becomes vital.
Milk appeared
Everything is normal: Even in a perfectly healthy woman, on the eve of menstruation, whitish discharge on the nipples may appear.
You should consult a doctor: if the discharge from the mammary glands is abundant and you are not pregnant or breastfeeding. This happens with hormonal changes. If the discharge has a yellowish or greenish tint and there is blood in them – urgently go to a mammologist! We emphasize once again that any problems associated with the condition of the breast should be resolved as quickly as possible.