What is mastalgia?
Mastalgia is a medical term for breast pain and is rarely a symptom of a serious disease, however can be debilitating and cause anxiety. The key step in management of breast pain is accurate diagnosis as sometimes neck, muscle and chest wall problems can present a pain in the breast. Mastalgia occurs in two-thirds of […]
Breast cancer treatment options
The treatment for breast cancer is tailored to each individual as much as possible, so there really isn’t any such thing as an “average” treatment. There are, however, four basic types of treatment to consider: surgery, radiotherapy, endocrine treatment (such as tamoxifen or other, similar, tablets) and chemotherapy. Surgery For many people with breast cancer […]
Types of breast cancer surgery
Surgery may be a suitable option if you suffer from breast cancer. The surgery you undergo will depend on various factors, such as: location of the cancer in your breast the stage and grade of your cancer your general health Breast conserving surgery Breast conserving surgery aims to remove the cancer with a rim of […]
How to look after your breasts
Being aware of your breasts is an important aspect for women to care for their bodies. Familiarity with their breasts means women will be aware of normal changes. More importantly they will notice anything unusual. Regular self-examination helps ensure any changes are noticed early. Basis of breast awareness Knowing what is normal and abnormal Noticing any changes in […]
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage? Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised form of massage which uses light, rhythmical, very precise hand movements retraining the lymph fluids to flow faster and efficiently from swollen areas. MLD is an effective way to greatly minimise side effects from surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The side effects of treatment include […]
What is breast screening?
Breast screening helps detect cancer or any other abnormalities at an early stage. This can be significant as breast cancer can be treated early, before it starts to spread. Women are advised to get their mammograms done annually. This applies to women right from when they have 3 months to turn 40, and over. Women […]
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer, also known as carcinoma of the breast, starts when a single cell in the tissue of that breast starts to divide and grow in an abnormal way. There are different types of breast cancer and it is important that an accurate diagnosis is made so that the most appropriate treatment can be planned. […]
What is Adductor injury?
An adductor strain is a common problem amongst athletes and sportsmen and women. The adductor muscle can be injured when there is a forced push off or if the leg is taken forcefully out to the side. Very high forces can be put through the adductor muscles and tendons when an athlete suddenly changes direction […]
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: What You Need to Know
A hernia occurs when tissue or part of an organ protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. Laparoscopic hernia repair is a technique used to fix hernias with as little surgery as possible. Unlike traditional open surgery, laparoscopic hernia repair involves making small incisions through which surgical tools and a camera are inserted […]
Incisional Hernia Repair
An incisional hernia happens through an old scar on the tummy from a previous operation. Surgery Incisional hernias are often more complicated to fix and can be done from the front (open) or from the inside (laparoscopic). Repairing these will often involve a “mesh” to make the area stronger and to try and reduce the […]