Practice self breast exam
Practice self breast exam
Stay up on your gyn appointment
If something off become your own advocate!
Still up on top of your health and always listen to your body .
a lot of people don’t know about Phyllodes tumors :
Phyllodes tumors of the breast, while relatively rare, can recur, even after treatment, and this is a concern for both benign and malignant types. Local recurrence (in the same breast) is more common than distant recurrence (spreading to other parts of the body), and is more frequent in cancerous phyllodes tumors.
Key points about recurrence:
Frequency: Recurrence rates vary, but local recurrence is possible even after initial surgical removal, especially with cancerous tumors.
Benign vs. Malignant: Both benign and malignant phyllodes tumors can recur, but malignant ones are more likely to recur locally and potentially metastasize (spread).
Timing: Recurrence can happen months or even years after initial treatment.
Risk factors: Local recurrence is associated with tumor size (especially larger than 20mm) and positive margins (where the tumor was not completely removed during surgery).
Treatment: Further surgery, sometimes including a wider excision or mastectomy, may be necessary to treat recurrence.
Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to detect recurrence early.
#phyllodetumer #gynaecologist #breastexamination #WomenHealth
Performing regular self breast exams is a crucial practice for early detection of breast abnormalities, including lumps that may indicate benign or malignant tumors. One important yet often overlooked type is the Phyllodes tumor, which is a rare breast tumor that can be either benign or malignant. Unlike common breast cancers, Phyllodes tumors tend to grow quickly and may recur locally even after surgical removal. Awareness and vigilance are vital for managing these tumors. Self breast exams should be conducted systematically once a month, ideally a few days after your menstrual period ends when breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. Use the pads of your fingers to apply varying pressure, feeling in circular motions across all breast tissue from the collarbone to the ribs and from the armpit to the cleavage. Report any lumps, thickening, or changes in size and shape immediately to your gynecologist. Phyllodes tumors vary in behavior — both benign and malignant types may recur, with malignant tumors presenting a higher risk of spreading beyond the breast tissue. The likelihood of recurrence is increased if the tumor is larger than 20mm or if surgical margins are positive (meaning that tumor cells remain). Therefore, treatment often involves wide excision surgery to remove the tumor with clear margins or, in some cases, mastectomy. Close monitoring through regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider is essential to catch any recurrence at an early stage. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds or mammograms may be recommended periodically. Additionally, becoming your own health advocate by being knowledgeable about breast changes and tumor risks empowers you to take swift action when needed. Remember, early detection and proactive health management are key factors in successfully treating breast tumors like Phyllodes. The combination of diligent self-examination, staying current with gynecological care, and understanding tumor characteristics can significantly improve outcomes and support overall women’s health.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹