Concerns - Breast Cancer

Changes in Breast Size

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Changes in breast size, whether sudden or gradual, can be a source of concern for individuals. Understanding why these changes occur, what they may indicate, and how they can be addressed is essential for maintaining breast health and overall well-being. Birmingham Breast Group specialises in providing comprehensive care for patients experiencing changes in breast size, offering thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and personalised treatment options.

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About This Concern

Several factors can contribute to changes in breast size, including:

Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can affect breast size. Oestrogen and progesterone levels influence the growth and development of breast tissue, leading to fluctuations in size throughout a woman’s life.

Weight Changes: Changes in body weight, whether due to weight gain or loss, can impact breast size. Fat tissue comprises a significant portion of breast composition, so fluctuations in body fat percentage can affect breast volume.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, breasts typically increase in size and become fuller in preparation for breastfeeding. After childbirth, breast size may fluctuate as hormone levels change, and milk production begins and ceases.

Menopause: Hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to a decrease in breast size and density as oestrogen levels decline. This can result in breast tissue becoming less firm and more prone to sagging.

Medications and Hormonal Therapy: Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and medications used to treat breast cancer, can affect breast size as they alter hormone levels in the body.

Male Breast Enlargement: Also known as gynecomastia, this concern is the development of excess breast tissue in males. It can be caused by hormonal imbalances, medications, obesity, or underlying health conditions, and may require medical evaluation and treatment.

While changes in breast size are often normal and can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations or other benign factors, they can sometimes indicate underlying health concerns, including:

Breast Cancer: In some cases, changes in breast size, particularly asymmetrical changes or sudden enlargement, may be a sign of breast cancer. Other symptoms to watch for include changes in breast shape, skin texture, nipple appearance, and the presence of lumps or thickening.

Breast Infections or Inflammation: Infections or inflammation of the breast tissue, such as mastitis or abscesses, can cause swelling, tenderness, and changes in breast size. These conditions often require medical evaluation and treatment with antibiotics or drainage procedures.

Fibrocystic Changes: Benign breast conditions such as fibrocystic changes or fibroadenomas can cause fluctuations in breast size and texture. These changes are typically accompanied by other symptoms such as breast pain, tenderness, or the presence of palpable lumps.

At Birmingham Breast Group, patients experiencing changes in breast size receive comprehensive care and support. This may include:

Clinical Evaluation: A thorough clinical examination is performed to assess breast size, symmetry, texture, and any associated symptoms. Diagnostic imaging studies such as mammograms, ultrasound, or MRI scans may be recommended to further evaluate breast changes and identify any underlying abnormalities.

Biopsy and Pathology: If suspicious changes or abnormalities are identified, a tissue biopsy may be performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Pathology analysis can determine whether the changes are benign or indicative of breast cancer, guiding further treatment decisions.

Personalised Treatment Plans: Depending on the underlying cause of breast size changes, treatment plans are tailored to address the individual needs and concerns of each patient. This may include medication, hormonal therapy, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical interventions as necessary.

Patient Education and Support: The expert team at Birmingham Breast Group provides patients with education, guidance, and emotional support throughout their breast health journey. Patients are empowered to make informed decisions about their care and are supported every step of the way.

Changes in breast size are a common concern for many individuals, but they can often be attributed to benign factors such as hormonal fluctuations or weight changes. However, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation for any significant or unexplained changes, as they may indicate underlying health concerns such as breast cancer or breast infections. At Birmingham Breast Group, patients can expect compassionate care, thorough evaluation, and personalised treatment options to address changes in breast size and maintain breast health and well-being.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

View More Reviews
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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

View More Reviews
View More Reviews

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