BREAST LUMP - Cyclical Mastalgia mask detection of a cancerous breast lump

	Asked by stelb (Male ) on Tue 08, Apr 2008 02:23pm :
	Could Cyclical Mastalgia mask detection (by a mammogram) of a cancerous breast lump in a 45 year-old female who has been taking HRT?
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	Answer by Dr Fernando, MD (oncologist) on Tue 08, Apr 2008 08:35pm: Hi. Cyclical Mastalgia is pain experienced as a result of changes in the breast induced by the rise and fall of hormonal levels during the normal menstrual cycle. As menstruation approaches, the breasts retain more fluid and become more engorged. The compression of breast tissue by the fluid, as well as stretching of the skin around the breast, causes the pain. Since the physiologic change underlying cyclical mastalgia is fluid retention, this should not interfere too much with mammogram results (the x-ray beam can readily penetrate fluid). Ideally, mammography is done a few days after menstruation, when the female hormone levels are at their lowest, so that the results will not be confounded by any temporary breast changes induced by increased hormone levels. Following this kind of schedule will further reduce the possibility of cyclical mastalgia confusing the mammogram results. By the way, why are you taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? If you're taking HRT because your ovaries have been removed, then you shouldn't be experiencing cyclical mastalgia at all. Any breast pain you're experiencing at this point cannot be attributed to cyclical mastalgia and should be investigated by your doctor just to check if it's anything serious. Thank you for using our service.  If you are satisfied with the answer or if you want a detailed answer for your question, please make a donation and request for further clarifications.  Our oncologists will provide an elaborate answer for your clarification.   Please make a donation by clicking the button below. You may donate using funds from your PayPal account or Credit Card. Please rate my answer (select the stars below, no need to log in.)
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