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Can Trauma Cause Breast Cancer

What Causes Breast Pain

Can injuries to the breast cause breast cancer?

There are a number of harmless causes for breast pain and tenderness that may primarily be related to changes in hormone levels. These can include:

  • Puberty in girls and sometimes for boys, too
  • Menstruation and premenstrual syndrome
  • Pregnancy more often during the first trimester
  • Days following childbirth as milk comes in Breastfeeding Mastitis, which is caused by a milk duct that is not properly draining and becomes infected, should be treated. It has no correlation with cancer, but it can become a serious infection if left untreated.

How Is Breast Cancer Caused

Breast cancer develops as a result of genetic mutations or damage to DNA. These can be associated with exposure to estrogen, inherited genetic defects, or inherited genes that can cause cancer, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. When a person is healthy, their immune system attacks any abnormal DNA or growths.

What Treatment Is There For Breast Injury:

  • These symptoms usually heal on their own after a few days.
  • If you have a persistent lump or pain in your breast seek medical advice.
  • Prevent breast injury and increase confidence by using a chest protector.

Don’t hesitate when you compete – protect your chest with a range of strong and comfortable upper body, full chest or breast only protection.

Read Also: Nccn Guidelines For Breast Cancer

You May Have Heard That Trauma To The Breasts Causes Breast Cancer In Actuality There Is No Data To Support A Link Between Trauma And Breast Cancer

Trauma to the breast can cause injury to the breast tissue and bleeding, which can form into a palpable mass. Bleeding can result in a hematoma, a collection of blood in the breast from the disruption of a blood vessel. On a mammogram, this area of injury will eventually be represented by calcifications. Hematomas eventually get reabsorbed by your lymphatic system.

There are many different types of calcifications in the breast. Calcifications in the breast are not related to the calcium levels in your bloodstream. Some calcifications are normal, others represent atypical cells and early forms of breast cancer. It is important to remember that calcifications from trauma do not turn into breast cancer.

Trauma to breast tissue can cause fat necrosis and oil cysts to form. Fat necrosis is scarring of the breast tissue, and can also be seen after surgery , biopsies, and radiation. The scarring often leads to a firm mass. Fat necrosis may take months or years to form after injury. An oil cyst occurs from shear forces tearing the fatty component of the breast, with the resultant release of oily fluid that coalesces into a cyst. Neither of these entities increases the risk of breast cancer, but may lead to additional imaging at the time of your yearly mammogram, such as an ultrasound or biopsy.

About the Author

Vanessa Prowler, MD, is a Breast Surgeon with Lakeland Regional Health. To make an appointment with Dr. Prowler, call 863.603.6565.

What Are The Causes Of Breast Trauma

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Breast trauma can occur due to

  • Vehicle accidents in which bumping into the seat ahead or the accelerator if driving, can cause breast injuries in women.

  • Sports injuries usually occur due to an elbow push, a hit on the breast by a fellow player, or a ball hitting the breast during games.

  • Sexual assaults on the breasts include severe blunt force given to the breasts by kicking or pushing, injuries caused using weapons, or getting bitten in the breasts.

  • Squeezing or pinching the nipple frequently.

  • A fall inclined towards the front primarily due to a slip, hindrance fall, etc.

  • Getting hit in the breast by something hard, accidentally.

  • Not wearing the right undergarments to support your breast and repeatedly participating in physical activities could cause breast trauma.

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Myth: Injuring Your Breasts Can Damage The Cells And Cause Cancer

NO. Breast injuries dont cause cancer, but rather may lead to the discovery of breast cancer in the injured area.

While its important that we are protect our breasts from exposure to toxins and injury, its also important that we keep complicated information and issues from being misinterpreted and spread as fear.

Sometimes breast injury can cause a benign lump called a fat necrosis. However, more often, the Canadian Cancer Society suggests that a cancer diagnosis may happen after physical injury because the treatment for the injury leads to the discovery of a cancer that was already there. For example, if a person breaks a bone and goes to the hospital to get examined they might find that a cancerous tumour caused the bone to weaken, ultimately causing the break.

What Can I Do About Ptsd Symptoms

PTSD is different for each person, and symptoms can come and go. You usually develop symptoms within 3 months of a traumatic event. But they can also occur several months or even years later. Talk with a member of your health care team if you have any of the symptoms above for more than a month.

If you are experiencing PTSD and you have cancer or are a cancer survivor, you should seek treatment for your PTSD symptoms. This is important because some people with PTSD may avoid the tests, treatments, and survivorship care they need. It can also raise your risk of other problems. These can include depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and eating disorders. PTSD can also affect your relationships and work.

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Association Between Depression And Lung Cancer Risk

Eight studies examined the association between depression and lung cancer. Five studies provided evidence for a positive statistically significant associations in both sexes: Goldacre et al. Hung et al. Knekt et al. Pennix et al. and Trudel-Fitzgerald et al. . The depression measured was clinically defined .

Table 3. Summary of included studies with statistically significant associations.

What Are The Symptoms Of Breast Pain From Injury

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As weve mentioned above, there are many causes of injury, but what are the symptoms? Youll be glad to know that most breast issues result in no severe side effects apart from sharp breast pain, non-cancerous lumps, and breast contusions.

However, in less common cases, women can experience severe bleeding. This is due to the injury-causing severe damage to the blood vessels inside the breast. This then results in the possibility of several more side effects, such as feeling as if you are going to faint, lower blood pressure than normal, an increased heart rate, and shock.

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Do Underwire Bras Cause Breast Cancer

Underwire bras do not increase your risk of breast cancer.

There have been some concerns that the wires in the cup of underwire bras may restrict the flow of lymph fluid in the breast causing toxins to build up in the area. However, theres no reliable evidence to support this.

If your bra is too tight or too small, the wires can dig into your breasts and cause discomfort, pain or swelling. Find out more about wearing a well-fitting bra.

Other Symptoms To Look For:

Inverted nipples, though this doesnt always mean BC, especially if theyve been inverting since as long as you can remember.

Discharge from the nipple other than milk.

Puckering in the skin.

A feeling of new-onset hardness or thickening in the skin during a self-exam.

Sudden but brief shooting, stabbing, piercing or sharp pain in the breast is very unlikely to be caused by cancer.

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America main site lists additional symptoms to be concerned about, which can suggest inflammatory BC:

Increasing size or shape of one breast infection Itchiness Warmth Peeling or flaking nipple

Dr. Johnson performs lumpectomies, and skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies, breast ultrasounds, needle core biopsies, infusaport placements, genetic testing and counseling, plus works with radiation oncologists to treat breast cancer using intraoperative radiation therapy.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. Shes also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.

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What Causes Benign Breast Conditions

Benign breast conditions are generally caused by a number of factors. Those factors include the makeup of your breasts , your age, hormone problems. Hormone therapy, birth control pills, pregnancy, menopause, being overweight, infection, and breastfeeding can also cause them. The exact cause can often be traced back to your specific diagnosis.

The male benign breast condition, gynecomastia, is caused by a hormone imbalance. It also can be caused by hormone therapy, some diseases, and being severely overweight.

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Breast Conditions That Arent Cancer

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Breast symptoms including lumps, swelling, and nipple discharge are all possible symptoms of breast cancer, but more often they are symptoms of breast conditions that are benign not cancer. Help keep your breasts healthy by paying attention to how they normally look and feel and let your health care provider know about any changes.

These 5 benign breast conditions often need no treatment, but some do. And some are linked with a higher risk for getting breast cancer later on.

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What Does Shoulder Blade Pain Feel Like When Its Related To Breast Cancer

The type of pain you feel usually depends on whats causing it. Some people have shoulder pain due to nerve damage from radiation therapy or a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or lymph node removal.

If you have neuropathic pain, you may feel a shooting or burning sensation. Some people describe the discomfort as an intense tingling or itching feeling.

You might also experience sharp pain when you try to move your arms up or down. This pain can be accompanied by swelling, stiffness, or numbness.

If your pain is caused by cancer that has spread , it might feel like a deep, dull ache in your joints or bones. Pain near your right shoulder blade could mean that your liver is involved.

You may also feel depressed or anxious, and your sleep may be disrupted as a result of your pain. Not getting enough sleep may make your pain feel even worse.

Your shoulder is a complex, interconnected group of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. These structures work together to align your posture and help you move your arms.

Your scapula serves several important functions:

  • It cups the ball-shaped end of the humerus bone in your upper arm.
  • It serves as an attachment plate for several muscles and ligaments.
  • It moves in several directions as you use your arms, providing stability and flexibility.

Other treatments damage the nerves around your shoulder blade, causing long-lasting pain in your shoulders, arms, hands, and feet.

Schedule Your 3d Mammogram Appointment Today

When it comes to womens health, ImageCare Centers is a leader in imaging services throughout New Jersey. From diagnostics to treatment, we offer state-of-the-art imaging at a fraction of the cost of hospitals and urgent care clinics. If your doctor has requested a 3D mammogram for you, contact us today at 973-871-3333 to schedule an appointment or complete our convenient online appointment request form.

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Can Breast Trauma Cause Cancer

People become concerned that breast trauma can cause cancer because the trauma can cause lumps to develop. These lumps, however, are not cancerous. There are two types of lumps that develop from trauma: a hematoma, which is a deep bruise that will heal, or a fat necrosis, which is scarred fatty tissue in the breast resulting from injury.

When To See Your Healthcare Provider

What Can Cause Breast Pain?

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have breast pain from any cause. Even if it’s not due to cancer, many women find that breast pain decreases their quality of life. In one study, 15% of women experienced breast pain at some time in their life that interfered with work and family activities. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any unusual discomfort.

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What Are The Risk Factors For Ptsd

It is not clear why some people develop PTSD while others do not. Certain factors may make you more likely to experience it. Learning you have cancer at a young age is one factor. One study found that survivors of childhood cancer were at greater risk of developing PTSD. People who had longer, more intense treatment were especially at risk. Another study found that almost 1 in 5 babies and preschoolers with cancer have PTSD.

PTSD from cancer also seems to be more common in:

  • People who had PTSD or another mental health condition before learning they had cancer

  • Women from minority groups

  • People with high stress levels

  • People who use drugs or alcohol to avoid stress

  • People with less formal education

  • People with low or no income

PTSD is less likely if you:

  • Get strong support from family and friends

  • Have correct information about the stage of the cancer

  • Have good relationships with your health care team members

What To Do If You Get Hit In The Breast

Are there any home remedies for breast injuries?Applying cloth-covered ice packs to the breasts for 10 to 15 minutes at a time for the first 12 days after the injury. Applying moist heat to areas of hematoma. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.More items

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Q: Does Using Birth Control Pills Cause Breast Cancer

A: There appears to be no clear increase between the use of birth control pills and increased breast cancer risk. Though birth control pills do contain certain hormones, the amounts are small. As every woman and case of breast cancer is different, women should talk with their healthcare providers about their personal risk factors for breast cancer.

Breast Pain And Breast Cancer In Men

Breast Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

As with breast cancer in women, breast cancer in men is often painless. That said, it tends to press on nearby structures sooner than a tumor would in most women. In addition, hormone-induced breast pain is also less likely to occur in men. If you are a man experiencing breast pain, play it safe. Breast cancer can and does occur in men. In fact, 1 in every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States is in a man.

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Does Inflammatory Breast Cancer Hurt

The breast can also be painful in inflammatory breast cancer, but this is not always the case. Other possible symptoms include: ridges or thickening of the skin of the breast. pitted skin, like orange peel. a lump in the breast. a discharge from the nipple. an inverted nipple the nipple is pulled into the breast.

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Breast Injury Causes Loss Of Confidence And Enjoyment

An unseen and very real issue is that a hit to the breasts takes you out of the game and can decrease confidence and enjoyment in your sport. In a study carried out by QP Sport and Sheffield-Hallam University, one of the surprising results was that women often suck it up when they are hit in the breast and experience pain. Women told us they don’t want to make a big deal of being hit in the breasts and let others watching the game see them hurt in that area. Watch this TV interview discussing breast injuries in contact sport.

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Can Squeezing Or Being Hit In The Breast Cause Cancer

An injury, such as falling or being hit in the chest, will not cause breast cancer. Squeezing or pinching the breast or nipple will not cause breast cancer either.

It may cause bruising and swelling to the breast, which can be tender or painful to touch.

Sometimes an injury can lead to a benign lump known as fat necrosis. This is scar tissue that can form when the body naturally repairs the damaged fatty breast tissue.

Questions To Ask Your Health Care Team

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  • Tell them about the symptoms that are bothering you the most. Ask, “Do you think I could have PTSD? If not, what else could be causing this?

  • What do you recommend to help relieve my symptoms?

  • How long can I expect to have the symptoms? Can they be treated?

  • Do I need to take medication? Are there other things I can do?

  • Can I talk with a counselor about my symptoms?

  • Do you know of a support group for people with my type of cancer or treatment? Or can you help me find one?

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Can Shoulder Blade Pain Be A Symptom Of Breast Cancer

Pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer. However, breast cancer that has metastasized can sometimes cause shoulder blade pain.

One of the most common locations for breast cancer metastasis is in the bones. Pain can be related to the cancer itself or fractures that happen when bones weaken.

Bladder, prostate, thyroid, uterus, lung, and kidney cancers can also spread to your bones. Lung and kidney cancers are also known to spread to the shoulder joint and shoulder blade.

It is also possible that pain near your right shoulder could be an indication that breast cancer has spread to your liver, because some of the nerve networks around the liver originate from the same nerves that attach near your right shoulder blade.

If youve had breast cancer in the past, and youre now experiencing shoulder pain, its a good idea to see a doctor about it as soon as possible. If it is a cancer relapse, treatment may help slow the cancers growth, relieve your symptoms, and protect your bones.

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