There can be no denying that there are many differences between the male and female human beings. The most obvious being recognizable in the physical appearance of the two genders. But there is much more to the differences between men and women. The internal bodily functions are different, and the brain and nervous systems operate in differing ways.
One of the most important physical differences is that the female of the species, at the time of puberty, will grow breasts. The breasts are essential organs that develop in the female as part of their bodily ability to procreate. Being unique to the female, the breasts have their own unique health issues.
Thankfully, breast health issues are usually easily treatable and not serious. However, there are some that can be potentially life changing. Given the myriad of problems that can occur with the female breast, it is essential that all women know how to access qualified and effective diagnosis and treatment. It is comforting for women to know that there are some medical facilities dedicated to breast health.
Understanding the unique health issues that come with the female breast is recognized by one unique health facility, which is the Breast Center in Bangkok. At the center there is an assembled team of experts highly qualified and experienced in breast health issues. And, being part of the Samitivej Hospital group, it carries with it a worldwide reputation.
Explaining the Female Breast
The female breast is made up of numerous composite parts. The breast has lobules, these are small glands that produce milk for babies and are found in groups called lobes. There are also milk ducts which convey the milk from th lobules to the nipples for feeding. The nipple itself, at its center, is the areole which releases the milk as baby sucks.
The areole tends to be a darker colored area of skin surrounding the nipple and contains glands. These glands secrete a lubricant which eases the function of breast feeding. The breast also contains many blood vessels which effectively feed the breasts with all the necessary nutrients.
There is adipose tissue filling the space between the lobules and the ducts and lymph vessels which are part of the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes, which are small organs, help to fight infections that might negatively affect the breasts. The breasts also contain ligaments which attach them to the chest and aid in supporting them.
Common Breast Health Issues
One of the most common health issues with the female breast is discomfort or pain. Although many women do experience discomfort or breast pains, they are not indictive of breast cancer. Breast lumps can be more serious, lumps can be due to any one of numerous causes. Which may include fibrocystic breast changes, cysts, fibroadenomas, cancerous tumors or intraductal papillomata.
Tiny white spots may show up following a mammogram, these are calcium salt spots known as microcalcifications. These anomalies are rarely any cause for concern, but in some cases, they can be an indication of the early onset of breast cancer, and so should be addressed.
Mastitis can be a painful inflammation of the breast and is a common health issue in women who are breastfeeding. Mastitis usually occurs within the first three to six months following giving birth. Inverted nipples are also quite common, this is where the nipple is dragged back to the areole due to the ducts being too tight. This condition can have a negative impact on breast feeding.
No such severe problem is nipple discharge. However, should the discharge come from only one breast, or is watery or bloodstained, then a specialist diagnosis should be sought. Some other common issues include changes in the size or shape of a breast, skin depressions and creases around the nipples.
Treatments for Breast Complaints
Treatments for breast health issues are many and various, depending on the nature of the issue and its severity. Many of the health issues with breasts can be treated with orally take antibiotics, conditions such as mastitis can be effectively treated in this way.
Surgery is often the preferred option to correct a health issue, commonly due to breast cancer. This may include the partial or entire removal of the breast. The partial removal is known as a lumpectomy, the entire removal being total mastectomy. Whilst removal of a tumor, along with some of the adjacent tissue is referred to as breast-conserving surgery.
Cancer in the breast can also be treated via radiation therapy. The type of radiation used, and the delivery option will depend on the tumor’s size and on the spread of the cancer. This form of treatment is likely to be accompanied by hormone therapy.
Cysts are rarely serious and are easily treated by a skilled practitioner. Fine needle aspiration is an effective process which drains the fluid filled cysts and may be accompanied with oral medication to minimize the chance of infection.
Very often, following treatment for breast health issues, many women will desire breast reconstruction surgery to restore the shape and size of the breasts. Any breast treatment, and subsequent reconstruction should only be sought from the most highly qualified physicians at a dedicated facility.
Breast Center in Bangkok
One such facility is Samitivej Hospital’s Breast Center in Bangkok. This is a unique facility dedicated solely to the health of the female breast. The center is staffed by an internationally trained team of experts, backed up by skilled support staff, all of whom are highly trained in the field of breast health.
The center is a modern state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology and employing modern treatment techniques to aid in the diagnostics and treatment of all breast health issues. The center has been designed to be stress free and accommodating to all its clients.
The Breast Center in Bangkok is now treating ever more numbers of foreigners, in addition to the Indigenous population, resident expats and visitors from overseas recognize the expertise of the center and, in increasing numbers, are seeking treatment there. The growing number of clients visiting the center stands as testimony to its success in diagnostics and treatment.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.