Itchy breasts are usually not a factor to get alarmed for, but is it always necessary to be vigilant and seek medical attention when necessary. In this blog we will discuss about itchy breast, its correlation with breast...
Breast cancer is often a topic of concern as the word cancer in itself sounds dangerous. Breast cancer can manifest in different ways one of the symptoms can be itchy breasts. Although there can be various other reasons due to which breasts can become itchy such as infection of breasts.
Breast Cancer and Itchy Breast
Women's health awareness is spreading a lot these days and people are becoming aware. Often the itching in the breasts is thought to be in relation with breast cancer although the potential warning signs of breast cancer could be others as well.
The term cancer in itself is a fear. When it comes to getting diagnosed with a potentially deadly disease it is understandable that your concern and desire to get more information surfaces.
Itchy breasts are not necessarily related to only breast cancer but they can also be indicative of other health problems.
Breast cancer is often an uncontrollably growing mass of cells that have lost their normal functioning routine. Malignant growth of breast tissues is breast cancer. Breast cancer mostly affects women although men can also develop breast cancer.
Reasons for Itchy Breasts
Itching in the breasts can happen due to many reasons, it can include cancer (both benign and malignant). It is necessary to understand all the possible causes to get a hint of what medical condition is because of itchy breasts.
- Bening (Non-Cancerous) Causes
- infections
Infections like fungal infection or bacterial infections. Can lead to itchy breasts. It may include yeast infections, and mastitis. These conditions can be treated by taking appropriate measures like for fungal infections- antifungal creams.
- Skin Conditions
Skin conditions can also cause itchy breasts. Some of the reasons are eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis. These conditions can be treated with appropriate medications like topical creams/ointments which help alleviate the symptoms.
- Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can also cause itchy breasts. Periodic hormonal fluctuations occur during the menstrual cycle, other conditions that can cause hormonal fluctuations can be pregnancy, menopause etc.
- Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions can cause itching. Allergic reactions may develop due to various factors such as laundry detergents, personal care products etc. you can avoid getting allergic reactions by knowing the allergens and avoiding contact with them.
- Malignant (cancerous) causes
- Pagets disease
Paget's disease is a rare condition that affects breasts particularly the nipple and areola area in the breasts. It may cause symptoms like scaling , crusting, redness ,itching etc. sometimes a breast lump can also be accompanied with other symptoms.
Treatment for paget's disease typically includes radiation therapy, medication, surgery and probably other therapies as well depending upon the extent and severity of the disease.
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)
Inflammatory breast cancer can cause an increase in the size of the breasts in a short duration of time along with its heaviness. Breasts might also feel tender on touch. It is a type of breast cancer manifesting aggressively causing redness. Because it is an aggressive form of cancer, it is highly important to detect it early and treat it.
Many malignant cancers can rarely cause itching in the breasts. If you suffer persistent itching, you should get a professional consultation especially when itching is accompanied with other symptoms and signs of breast cancer.
When to Worry for an Itchy Breast?
You should always consider getting a breast specialist consultation if you are facing symptoms that you are worried about. Below mentioned are some scenarios where you should seek a medical opinion
- Breast changes such as breast lump
If you notice any changes in breast tissue such as thickening, dimpling, or a lump, you should get a professional consultation. Any changes in breasts form and shape along with itching even if it is mild itching, should be addressed to a doctor.
- Family history or risk factor
If you have any family members who have or had breast cancer or you have risk factors such as a genetically mutated gene named BRCA1 or BRCA2, you should keep checking your breasts for any changes. Also you should keep getting preventive checkups also.
- Persistent itching
Sometimes taking over-the-counter medications can help relieve the itching in breasts. When these medications don't help resolve the itching, it is essential for you to get an expert for further evaluation and diagnosis.
- Localised itching
Sometimes in paget's disease, localised itching can be a symptom. Itching in paget's disease is often accompanied by crusting, scaling and skin changes. Itching can be specifically in the areola and nipple area. If you face any such symptoms, it is essential for you to take medical advice
- Additional Symptoms
If you are experiencing symptoms like swelling, breast pain, breast size and shape changes in a short span, nipple discharge, itching, redness etc. you could be having some serious severe issues and need immediate medical attention.
- Unresponsive to Treatment
If you are having symptoms like itching that are not getting resolved despite prescribed treatment or self care, and are getting worsened even more, this might be a situation of concern that needs further evaluation.
How to Get Diagnosed for Breast Cancer?
For evaluating breasts there can be various diagnostic methods
- Physical examination
- Mammography
- Breast ultrasound
- MRi scan for breasts
- Biopsy for breasts
- Genetic testing
- To check hormone receptors by Immunohistochemistry
Conclusion
Although itchy breasts are not always the sign for breast cancer, persistent itching along with other factors can be a factor to be worried about. Mostl itchy breasts are due to benign factors such as allergies, skin conditions or hormonal changes etc. however, in any situation, health should not be ignored and necessary medical care should be taken.
For Free Consultation From the Doctor
Get connected to our doctor directly-
- Dr. Ravin Sharma MBBS, MD Radiology)
- Phone Number- 9212125996
- Available- 24*7*365
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