Concerns - Breast Cancer

Changes in Skin of Breast

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Changes in breast skin can signal various underlying conditions, from benign factors to serious health concerns. Recognising characteristic skin changes, understanding their potential implications, and seeking appropriate care are essential for maintaining breast health. Birmingham Breast Group specialises in evaluating and addressing concerns related to breast skin changes, offering comprehensive diagnosis and personalised treatment options.

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About This Concern

Signs to look out for include:

Redness or Rash: Persistent redness or rash on the breast skin, especially if it is warm to the touch or accompanied by itching or tenderness, may indicate inflammation or infection.

Dimpling or Puckering: Changes in breast skin texture, such as dimpling, puckering, or resembling an orange peel (peau d’orange), can be a sign of underlying breast cancer. These changes may result from the pulling of breast tissue due to tumour growth.

Thickening or Swelling: Thickened or swollen areas of breast skin, particularly if they feel firm or nodular, may suggest the presence of underlying breast tumours or other abnormalities.

Ulceration or Discharge: Skin ulceration, erosion, or the presence of bloody or clear discharge from the nipple may indicate advanced breast cancer or other serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention.

Changes in Pigmentation: Changes in breast skin colour or pigmentation, such as darkening or reddening, should be evaluated, as they may indicate hormonal changes, inflammation, or other underlying issues.

While some breast skin changes may be benign and related to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, or skin conditions, others can signal more serious health concerns, including:

Breast Cancer: Skin changes such as redness, dimpling, thickening, or ulceration may be signs of inflammatory breast cancer or advanced breast cancer. These changes require prompt evaluation and treatment to improve outcomes.

Infection: Skin redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness may indicate a breast infection, such as mastitis or cellulitis. Infections can be bacterial or fungal in nature and may require antibiotics or antifungal medications for treatment.

Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema can cause redness, itching, and irritation of the breast skin. These conditions may be triggered by allergens, irritants, or immune system dysfunction.

Benign Breast Conditions: Certain benign breast conditions, such as fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, or benign breast tumours, can cause changes in breast skin texture, thickness, or appearance. While these changes are typically non-cancerous, they may require monitoring or treatment.

Patients experiencing changes in breast skin receive compassionate care and thorough evaluation at Birmingham Breast Group. This may include:

Clinical Assessment: A detailed clinical examination is performed to assess breast skin changes, including texture, colour, thickness, and associated symptoms. Diagnostic imaging studies such as mammograms, ultrasound, or MRI scans may be recommended to evaluate underlying breast tissue and identify any 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.

Multidisciplinary Care: The expert team at Birmingham Breast Group collaborates closely to develop personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. This may include medication, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other interventions as necessary.

Patient Education and Support: Patients are provided with education, guidance, and emotional support throughout their breast health journey. They are empowered to make informed decisions about their care and are supported every step of the way.

Changes in breast skin can be a cause for concern, but prompt evaluation and appropriate care are essential for maintaining breast health and well-being. At Birmingham Breast Group, patients can expect compassionate care, thorough evaluation, and personalised treatment options to address changes in breast skin and ensure the best possible outcomes. By recognising characteristic skin changes, seeking timely medical attention, and partnering with expert healthcare providers, individuals can take proactive steps to protect and preserve their breast health.

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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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