Breast Disease
Breast Cancer Surgery Jacksonville, FL | Breast Disease Doctor
Breast Disease Surgeon Dr. Matthew T. Smith
A breast disease diagnosis can feel overwhelming and difficult to process. Thankfully, medical treatments have come a long way and can help patients regain health even following a breast disease diagnosis. There are several different types of breast diseases, many of which can be treated with a surgical procedure combined with other treatment methods. It’s important that you clearly understand the diseases and the possible treatment options available to you.
Benign Breast Disease
Benign breast diseases are non-cancerous and typically refer to a lump, cyst, or fluid. This can result from fibrocystic breast changes, infection, fatty breast tissues, or calcium buildup. Patients can also have abnormal cell growth or enlarged breast glands. Symptoms include tender breasts, lumps in the breast, or discharge in these diseases. Oftentimes, benign breast disease is associated with hormonal changes during menstrual cycles. While benign breast disease is not considered harmful, it’s important to seek medical advice if you discover changes in your breast.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast represents neoplastic lesions, typically localized to the breast ducts. DCIS is a heterogeneous group of lesions that varies in the clinical presentation, genetics, biomarkers, morphologic features, as well as the clinical potential to progress to invasive breast cancer. Women often have no symptoms, and DCIS is detected during mammogram imaging. This is why it is incredibly important to continue regular screenings. An option to treat DCIS is to get breast surgery, whether a partial mastectomy or total mastectomy, and may be combined with other medical therapies. Your doctor can help you identify which path of treatment is most appropriate for you. The goal of treatment is to prevent the occurrence of invasive breast cancer.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancers are categorized based on the specific cells in the tissue and their growth. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, changes in shape or texture of the nipple, or bloody discharge from the nipple. While breast cancer more commonly occurs in women, it can sometimes occur in men. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma is one of the most common forms of breast cancer. However, there are other unique types of breast cancers.
Treatment largely depends on the stage of breast cancer. Treatment for breast cancer typically involves surgery to remove the tumor. Other treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy may be included to ensure it does not spread or reoccur.
Surgical removal of breast cancer tissues can remove the entire breast or the parts of the breast with cancerous tissue. Many choose to have a mastectomy to increase the likelihood of staying cancer-free. Speak with your doctor about the most appropriate treatment plan for you based on the type and stage of breast cancer.
Breast Disease Treatment
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