FAQs on Breast Problems by Dr Ruchi Rai Ahuja breast specialist in Chandigarh

Q:There is discharge from my nipples. Is it anything to worry about?

Ans: It is not normal to have discharge from nipples in a lady who is not breast feeding or one who is not pregnant. Discharge from both nipples usually is an indication of some hormonal problem which may sometimes also be due to chronic intake of some medicines. Discharge coming from one nipple is usually a sign of a local problem that may require surgical intervention.

Q: Why does breast pain occur?

Ans: Some women experience breast pain every month. This cyclical breast pain is normal and usually goes away at the onset of periods. It is due to the action of hormones on the breast tissue. Sometimes the pain may occur throughout the cycle. This is again usually hormone related. A breast pain chart helps to differentiate between the two types of pain. Breast pain is most of the times hormonal and NOT a common sign of cancer.
It is a very common sign of pregnancy and sometimes may be drug induced.
Localised pain associated with redness in the skin which is of sudden onset especially in a breast feeding lady may be a sign of infection/ pus.

Q: I have lumpiness in my breasts.

Ans: It is normal to have lumpiness in the breast. This usually increases or decreases under the influence of hormones. This lumpiness usually increases just before periods and is more apparent in ladies who have less fat in their breasts.

Q: I discovered a lump in my breast while bathing. What should I do?

Ans: You should get yourself checked by a doctor. Most of these are non cancerous. The doctor will do a clinical examination, order an ultrasound/mammography and order biopsy (mostly needle biopsy) . This is called as triple assessment of the lump.

Q: There is difference in size of my breasts. Is it serious?

Ans: Having difference in the size of your breasts is perfectly normal. Growing up girls may have more asymmetry which usually becomes less apparent when she becomes an adult .But it is perfectly normal for the breasts to remain of different sizes later also.
Sudden onset change in one of the breasts however is to be taken seriously.