Benign Breast Surgery
Benign Breast Surgery
Benign breast surgery refers to surgical procedures performed on the breast to address non-cancerous (benign) conditions. These surgeries are typically done when there are abnormalities or symptoms in the breast that need to be evaluated or treated. While benign breast conditions are not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort or be concerning for patients.
Benign breast surgeries are generally safe, and with modern techniques, they tend to be minimally invasive. However, the decision to perform surgery is made based on the specific condition, symptoms, and patient preferences.
- Fibroadenomas: Fibroadenomas is a benign, solid tumour made up of fibrous and glandular tissue. They often occur in young women and may feel like smooth movable lumps (hence commonly known as “Breast Mouse”).
- Intraductal Papilloma: Intraductal papilloma is small, benign growth that develops in the milk ducts. They can lead to nipple discharge in some women, but most often detected incidentally during radiological investigations.
- Nipple discharge: Nipple discharge refers to the release of fluid or secretion from one or both of the nipples. It can occur in both women and men, and the characteristics of the discharge can vary, depending on the underlying cause. While it is often benign, it can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition that requires further evaluation.
- Clear or Watery Discharge: May be normal or related to hormonal changes, particularly around menstruation or pregnancy.
- Milky Discharge (Galactorrhea): Typically associated with breastfeeding but can also occur in non-lactating women due to hormonal imbalances or other causes, such as a prolactin-producing tumour.
- Bloody or Serous Discharge: This can be more concerning and may suggest a benign condition, such as a benign tumour, or even breast cancer. Bloody spontaneous nipple discharge should always be evaluated in the one-stop breast clinic.
- Green or Yellow Discharge: Often associated with an infection in the milk ducts or a benign condition such as a ductal ectasia (widening and inflammation of the ducts).
- Diagnostic Excisional Biopsy:
- Removal of a suspicious lump or mass for testing to ensure it is benign.
- It involves removing the lump for microscopic examination (histology) to confirm the benign nature of the lump.
- Total duct excision (Hadfield’s procedure):
- Is a surgical procedure to remove the affected milk ducts in the breast.
- It is primarily offered in cases where there is nipple discharge with underlying benign conditions such as intraductal papilloma or duct ectasia.
- It can also be offered for women with symptomatic and recurrent nipple discharge.
