Summary about Disease
Unilateral breast swelling refers to swelling in one breast, while the other remains relatively normal in size and shape. It is not a disease in itself, but a symptom that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. These conditions range from benign hormonal changes to more serious issues like infection or even cancer. It is essential to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause of the swelling and receive appropriate treatment.
Symptoms
Noticeable increase in the size of one breast compared to the other.
Tenderness or pain in the affected breast.
Redness or warmth of the skin over the affected breast.
Changes in breast texture, such as lumpiness or thickening.
Nipple discharge.
Skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling or peau d'orange (orange peel) appearance.
Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit on the same side as the affected breast.
Causes
Hormonal Changes: Menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or hormone therapy can cause swelling.
Mastitis: Infection of the breast tissue, often occurring during breastfeeding.
Breast Abscess: Collection of pus in the breast, usually due to bacterial infection.
Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs in the breast tissue.
Fibroadenomas: Benign solid breast tumors.
Injury or Trauma: Bruising or hematoma formation after an injury.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.
Other Breast Cancers: Less commonly, other types of breast cancer can cause unilateral swelling.
Medicine Used
The medications used depend entirely on the underlying cause of the swelling.
Infections (Mastitis, Abscess): Antibiotics (e.g., dicloxacillin, cephalexin, clindamycin).
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen). Prescription pain relievers may be necessary in some cases.
Hormonal Issues: Medications to regulate hormones may be used in some cases.
Cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and/or surgery, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Cysts: Often no medication is needed. Drainage via aspiration might be performed.
Is Communicable
Unilateral breast swelling itself is not communicable. However, if the swelling is caused by an infection like mastitis, the bacteria responsible for the infection could potentially spread, but this is usually limited to direct contact and is not considered highly contagious.
Precautions
Precautions depend on the cause:
Good Hygiene: Washing hands frequently, especially if treating an infection.
Proper Breastfeeding Technique: If mastitis is related to breastfeeding, ensuring proper latch and complete emptying of the breast can help prevent recurrence.
Avoid Trauma: Protect the breasts from injury.
Regular Self-Exams: Performing monthly breast self-exams to detect any changes early.
Medical Follow-Up: Attending all scheduled appointments with a healthcare provider to monitor the condition and treatment.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of unilateral breast swelling varies greatly depending on the underlying cause.
Hormonal Swelling: May resolve within a few days to weeks.
Mastitis: With antibiotic treatment, symptoms usually improve within a few days, and the infection resolves within 1-2 weeks.
Abscess: Requires drainage and antibiotics; resolution may take several weeks.
Cysts: May resolve on their own or persist for weeks to months.
Cancer: The swelling will persist and worsen without treatment. The duration of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Exam: A healthcare provider will examine the breasts and lymph nodes.
Medical History: Gathering information about symptoms, medical history, and family history.
Mammogram: X-ray of the breast to detect abnormalities.
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue.
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging to provide detailed images of the breast.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A needle is used to extract fluid or cells from a lump for examination under a microscope.
Core Needle Biopsy: A larger needle is used to take a tissue sample for analysis.
Incisional or Excisional Biopsy: Surgical removal of a sample of tissue or the entire lump for analysis.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies widely depending on the cause.
Hormonal changes: Symptoms may fluctuate with the menstrual cycle.
Infection (mastitis): Symptoms typically develop rapidly, over a few days.
Benign growths (fibroadenomas, cysts): May appear gradually and be present for an extended period.
Cancer: Swelling may be gradual, but can be rapid with inflammatory breast cancer.
Important Considerations
Any new or persistent breast swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment, especially in the case of breast cancer.
Do not attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat breast swelling.
If you are breastfeeding and suspect mastitis, seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.
Be aware of your individual risk factors for breast cancer (family history, genetics, etc.) and discuss screening options with your doctor.