Breast checks to detect breast cancer

Your risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Here’s how to recognise symptoms and detect it early.

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Wide local excision

A wide local excision involves removing the cancer with a rim of breast tissue around the cancer. It usually involves removing some of the lymph nodes in your armpit.

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Mammography

A mammogram is a type of x-ray used to detect breast cancer. Read about having a mammogram, and when screening and diagnostic mammograms are done.

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Sentinel node biopsy

Sentinel nodes are the first lymph nodes in the armpit to which breast cancer cells can spread. A biopsy to remove the sentinel nodes gives your breast cancer team important information to help plan your future breast cancer treatment.

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Male mastectomy

Surgery gives the best chance of you being free of early breast cancer. A mastectomy involves removing all your breast tissue. It usually involves removing some or most of the lymph nodes in your armpit, which helps your healthcare team to decide on any further treatment.

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Imaging-assisted wide local excision

A wide local excision involves removing the cancer with a rim of breast tissue around the cancer. It usually involves removing some of the lymph nodes in your armpit.

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Axillary node clearance

The lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) can be affected by breast cancer. Axillary node clearance is a procedure to remove your lymph nodes to help treat the cancer and to prevent it from coming back in your armpit.

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Mastectomy — breast cancer treatment or prevention

A mastectomy is an operation to remove your breast, usually to treat breast cancer. Learn how to prepare and what to expect if you need this surgery.

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Breast engorgement

Engorgement is when your breasts are overfull with milk and fluids. It is usually temporary and will lessen as your body adjusts to your baby's needs.

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Excision biopsy of a breast lump

An excision biopsy involves removing a lump from your breast. It can help prevent an unsightly appearance and find out what is causing the lump. If the lump is causing you pain, you may get relief from the pain.

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Gynaecomastia

Find out about the treatments for gynaecomastia – the development of enlarged breasts in males - also sometimes called 'man boobs'.

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What to expect from a physical examination by your doctor

A doctor may need to examine your body to help them diagnose an injury or illness. Read more about your rights and your doctor’s responsibilities.

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Breast cancer

Breast cancer often shows as a lump in the breast tissue, although most breast lumps are not cancerous. If found early, full recovery is more likely.

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Metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of your body. Treatment cannot cure it, but targets the symptoms.

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Breast cysts

Breast cysts are benign bubbles of fluid in the breast. It's important to know what to look for if you suspect a lump is not benign.

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Ultrasound

An ultrasound scan creates a real-time picture of the inside of the body using sound waves. Learn about uses, types, and preparation for ultrasounds.

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Chest wall perforator flap breast reconstruction

A CWPF breast reconstruction is an operation to remove cancer and recreate a breast shape at the same time.

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Microdochectomy

A microdochectomy or total duct excision involves removing a milk duct (or disc of milk ducts) from your breast. The procedure will stop a continued nipple discharge and help find out what is causing the discharge.

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Bone cancer

Primary bone cancer, which begins in the bones, is rare. But many other cancers, such as lung or breast cancer, can spread to the bones.

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Puberty for girls

During puberty, the female body changes. Learn more about the physical and emotional changes you may experience when going through puberty.

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Fatigue

Fatigue is when you feel exhausted and have no energy. Read about the possible causes of fatigue, some self-care tips and when to seek help.

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Faecal incontinence

Faecal incontinence is when you have trouble controlling your bowel. Find out about the symptoms, causes, self-care and other treatments.

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Breast augmentation (breast implants)

Women may have breast implant surgery for cosmetic or medical reasons. Learn about breast implants and some questions to ask your doctor.

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Breast diseases

There are many different types of breast diseases, including infections, cysts and growths. Learn more about common breast diseases here.

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Breast reduction

A breast reduction is an operation to maintain a natural shape of your breasts and imrpve symmetry with breast cancer surgery. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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Breast uplift

A breast uplift is an operation to improve the shape of your breasts. For some individuals, a breast reduction or augmentation may be more suitable.

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Expressing and storing breast milk

Learn how to express milk from your breasts by hand or with a pump. Expressed breast milk can be stored and fed to your baby later.

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Breast reconstruction with an implant or tissue expander

A breast reconstruction with a breast implant or tissue expander is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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Living with breast cancer

A breast cancer diagnosis affects your physical, emotional and practical life. Learn how to deal with the challenges of living with breast cancer.

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Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap

A breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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