Whenever the normal drainage pattern in the lymph nodes is disturbed or damaged – often during surgery to remove the lymph nodes – the arm may swell. This swelling, caused by too much fluid, is called lymphedema.
The most common type of breast infection is lactational mastitis. This happens when a woman is breastfeeding. The nipples become cracked and sore, allowing bacteria from the baby’s mouth to enter the ducts and rapidly multiply in the milk.
Timing your mammogram when your breasts are not tender is important. In premenopausal women, this is usually 1 week after a menstrual period.
It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or an abnormal area on a mammogram, may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems.
To diagnose a breast condition, your healthcare provider will examine your breasts and may order imaging tests or a biopsy.
Clinical trials are studies managed by government agencies, educational institutions, private not-for-profit organizations, or commercial businesses. They develop and evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments and therapies for diseases.
