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What Is a Digital Mammogram?
Digital mammograms are as effective as traditional X-ray mammograms. They also offer several advantages.
Normal Breast Development and Changes
Breast development happens in certain stages during a woman's life: first before birth, and again at puberty and later during the childbearing years. Changes also happen to the breasts during menstruation and when a woman reaches menopause.
Breast MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging creates detailed images of the body using large magnets and a computer. For breast MRI, a woman will lie face down with her breasts positioned through holes in a table.
Nipple Problems and Discharge
Nipple conditions are a common noncancer (benign) breast condition affecting many people assigned female at birth. Some problems are related to lactation, and others are not.
Breast Biopsy
A breast biopsy is a small piece of breast tissue that is removed and checked in a lab. This is done to see if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
Diagnosing Noncancerous (Benign) Breast Conditions
To diagnose a breast condition, your healthcare provider will examine your breasts and may order imaging tests or a biopsy.
Common Benign Lumps
The 2 most common types of benign breast lumps are cysts and fibroadenomas. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the breast tissue. Fibroadenomas are solid, smooth, firm, benign lumps that are most commonly found in women in their late teens and early 20s.
Breast Self-Awareness
Your breasts change at different stages of your life. Breast self-awareness is knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. This can help you to find even small changes right away.
Breast Pain (Mastalgia)
There are 2 main types of breast pain. The most common type is linked to the menstrual cycle and is almost always hormonal.
Breast Infections and Inflammations
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.
Anatomy of the Breasts
A closer look at the structure of the breast.
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