What Does a Breast Doctor Do?

Seeing a breast doctor in a timely manner can help detect breast cancer and other conditions early, thereby increasing your chances of recovery.

What’s a breast doctor?

A breast doctor is specially trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the breasts. He or she is skilled in performing surgical procedures such as a lumpectomy (removal of breast lump), mastectomy (removal of one or both breasts), and breast reconstruction.

Your breast doctor will also assess your overall health by reviewing your medical and family history, and determine your risk of developing breast cancer. He or she can perform diagnostic tests such as a mammography or biopsy if needed.

What Symptoms Should I Look Out For?

You should see a breast doctor in Singapore if you experience any of the following:

• A lump on the breast or armpit
• Unusual changes in the size, shape, symmetry of the breast or nipple
• Persistent pain and tenderness on any part of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
• Redness, itching or scaling in the breast or nipple area
• Unusual nipple discharge
• Inverted or retracted nipple

Breast cancer is typically asymptomatic during its early stages, which makes it all the more important for you to see your doctor if any of the abovementioned early warning signs of breast cancer are found.

I Found a Lump, Now What?

The importance of a breast self-exam is well-known, evident by the fact that the majority of breast lumps are found incidentally (by accident). If you find a lump on your breast, do not panic. Most are benign and can resolve on their own without further treatment.

There are many causes of breast lumps, the most common being cysts, fibroadenomas, breast infections and injury. Some breasts are also lumpy before a menstrual period, but will feel normal and less tender afterwards. Read about the differences between breast cyst and breast cancer.

To be on the safe side, all lumps should be evaluated by a breast cancer surgeon in Singapore, most especially if you have a medical history of benign breast disease or a family history of breast cancer.

What Diagnostic Tests Will be Performed?

At home, you can start by performing breast self-exams every month to familiarize yourself with the natural look and feel of your breasts. Doing this also makes it easier for you to spot any unusual changes on your breast or lumps that need to be checked.

At a breast clinic in Singapore, your doctor will first assess your medical and family history, then perform a physical exam to check for the presence of any abnormalities. If anything suspicious is found, he or she may recommend a mammography or biopsy for an accurate diagnosis.

In the event that breast cancer is confirmed, your breast cancer surgeon will work closely with you to tailor an effective treatment of breast cancer. This may include undergoing a Singapore breast surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy.

Singapore breast doctor Dr Chong Chee Keong has dedicated much of his career to looking after patients afflicted with breast cancer and other conditions. Maven Surgery offers a range of comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options in Singapore. For enquiries, fill out our enquiry form or reach us at 63555285 today.