Concerns - Breast Cancer

Changes in the Shape of the Breast

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Changes in breast shape can often be concerning, as alterations in breast appearance may indicate underlying health issues, including breast cancer. Understanding the various changes that may occur, their potential causes, and the appropriate approach to evaluation and management is essential for promoting breast health. The Birmingham Breast Group is dedicated to providing comprehensive care if you are experiencing changes in breast shape, utilising a multidisciplinary approach to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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About This Concern

Breasts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and changes in breast shape can be normal and occur throughout a woman’s life due to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and ageing. However, certain changes in breast shape may be indicative of underlying breast conditions, including benign breast lumps, cysts, fibroadenomas, or, in less frequent cases, breast cancer.

One common change in breast shape is asymmetry, where one breast may appear larger or smaller than the other. While breast asymmetry is usually benign and not cause for concern, significant or sudden changes in breast size or shape should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying issues.

Another change in breast shape that may occur is dimpling or puckering of the skin, which can be a sign of breast cancer. Dimpling may occur due to fibrosis or scarring within the breast tissue, which can distort the normal architecture of the breast and alter its appearance. Inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer, can also cause dimpling of the skin, along with redness, swelling, and warmth.

Nipple retraction or inversion, where the nipple appears sunken or pulled inward, can also be a concerning change in breast shape. While nipple inversion is often benign and present since birth, sudden or new-onset nipple retraction may be indicative of underlying breast conditions, including breast cancer. Tethering or fixation of the skin overlying a breast lump can also cause changes in breast shape, particularly if the lump is located near the surface of the breast.

Changes in breast shape may also be related to the development of breast cancer through the growth of tumours or masses within the breast tissue. As tumours enlarge, they can distort the normal structure of the breast and alter its appearance, leading to changes in shape, size, or contour. Invasive breast cancers, which penetrate surrounding breast tissue and may spread to other parts of the body, can cause more pronounced changes in breast shape compared to noninvasive or early-stage cancers.

At the Birmingham Breast Group, experiencing changes in breast shape may mean you should undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. This typically involves a thorough clinical assessment, including a detailed medical history and physical examination, as well as diagnostic imaging studies such as mammography, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If further evaluation is warranted, additional tests such as breast biopsy or fine-needle aspiration may be recommended to obtain tissue samples for laboratory analysis. These tests can help determine the nature of any breast abnormalities and rule out underlying malignancy.

Treatment options for changes in breast shape depend on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms. In cases where the changes are benign and not causing significant distress or functional impairment, no specific treatment may be necessary, and the condition may be monitored over time. However, if the changes are associated with underlying breast conditions or cancer, appropriate treatment will be recommended, which may include medication, surgery, or other interventions.

In conclusion, changes in breast shape can be a concerning symptom that warrants thorough evaluation to rule out underlying breast conditions, including breast cancer. While many changes in breast shape are benign and not cause for concern, it is essential to seek medical attention for persistent or concerning symptoms. The Birmingham Breast Group is committed to providing comprehensive care if you are experiencing changes in breast shape, utilising a multidisciplinary approach to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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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.

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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.

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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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