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CHECK UP
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PROGRAMME INFO |
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Check Up is your chance to talk to doctors about the health issues that most concern you and your family. Each week Barbara Myers is joined by a medical expert to take your calls and emails on a particular topic and give you the most up to date advice. No appointment necessary.
Call 0870 010 0444
checkup@bbc.co.uk |
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LISTEN AGAIN Ìý30 min |
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PRESENTER |
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"There is no substitute for one-to-one advice from aÌýtop medical expert and that's what we offer our callers and emailers. But for each person who calls to ask for help, someone else phones in to pass on a tip or a suggestion -Ìýit's a great programme to present."
Barbara Myers |
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PROGRAMME DETAILS |
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Full programme transcript >>
Benign Breast Disease
Nine out of ten women who find a lump in their breast are relieved to find out that they don't have breast cancer. But what causes these common lumps and bumps and what can be done about them? Find out by listening to Barbara Myers and her guest Rob Carpenter, consultant at the Breast and Endocrine Unit at St Bart's Hospital in London,Ìýin this week's Check Up .Ìý
Checking Breasts
All women have lumpy breasts - and it's important for them to check their breasts regularly for any changes. But just before a period the normal breast tissue can become more prominent and seem lumpy - so timing is important.Ìý
Link to female hormones
About one in five women develops benign breast disease at some time during their life. The cause of benign breast disease is unknown but it doesn't occur before puberty and is less common after the menopause. Symptoms often vary during the menstrual cycle or with the use of the contraceptive pill. These facts point to a link with female hormones.Ìý
Causes - fibroadenomas
One of the well-known causes of lumps are fibroadenomas which are most common in women under 30. They are overgrowths of the lobules in the breast tissue and can move freely within the breast - and this is why they are nicknamed the "breast mouse", because they can be pushed around easily under the skin. After diagnosis by ultrasound and the removal of a few cells with a needle, they may need to be removed and are routinely sent to the laboratory for examination under the microscope.
Causes - fibrocystic changes
Fibrocystic changes are the most common cause of lumps in women aged 40-50, affecting 1 in 4 women. It's also known as fibroadenosis. These changes are caused by fluctuations in hormone levels - which cause blood vessels to swell, milk glands and ducts to enlarge and the breast to retain fluid. If cysts form in the enlarged or blocked milk ducts, the area might feel ridged and thickened. No specific treatment may be necessary but any changes or discomfort should be checked by your doctor.Ìý
Causes - breast cysts
Another common causeÌýis breast cysts - which are smooth, mobile lumpsÌý and canÌý be painful. They are often found in women in their 40s and 50s. The fluid removed from them varies in colour from yellow to green and blue-black and about 1/3 of cysts re-fill with fluid and will need to be drained again. It may be sent to the lab for further tests. About 10% of women have recurrent cysts. Women who have breast cysts have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, but this riskÌýis not thought to be significant.Ìý
Causes - Lipomas
Lipomas - which are harmless collections of fatty tissue - may need no treatment unless the woman chooses to haveÌýthem removed.Ìý
Contact theÌýprogramme
Check Up Ìýis your opportunity to ask an expert about the condition. If you have a question, contact us by calling 0870 010 0444 from 1.30pm - 3.30pm on the day of broadcastÌýor by emailing checkup@bbc.co.uk
Next Week
Next week’s topic is: Travel Health
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