Breast surgery is a type of surgical procedure performed on the breast. There are several types of breast surgeries, based on the patient's condition, need, and medical history.

Anatomy of the Breast

The breast is a tissue overlying the chest muscles in women. It is also known as mammary glands, which are a pair of glandular organs that are responsible to produce milk in response to the hormone changes of childbirth. These glands are made up of fatty tissue and are supported by ligaments and large muscles.

Each breast has 15-20 lobes which comprise the number of lobules and ducts supportive tissue. Each lobule has 30 major ducts that open onto the nipple. The darker region around the nipple is called the Areola. At the edge of the Areola, there are large glands that produce fluid to lubricate the nipple.

In each armpit, there are approximately 20-30 lymph nodes (glands) that drain fluid from the breast and form part of the lymphatic system which helps the body to fight against infection.

Benign Breast Diseases

The term “Benign Breast Disease” includes a heterogeneous group of lesions that may present various symptoms or may not be identified as incidental microscopic findings. The incidence of benign breast lesions begins to rise during the second decade of life and peaks within the fourth and fifth decades, as opposed to malignant diseases, for which the incidence continues to increase after menopause at a less speedy pace.

It is important to understand that benign breast disease which requires sequential steps are necessary to differentiate lesions that convey the high risk of subsequent breast cancer from those which do not.

Breast infections

A breast infection is a type of infection that occurs within the breast tissue. It is also known as mastitis. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is the cause of most breast diseases, which is further causing staph infection.

1. Acute Mastitis is a bacterial infection that is seen commonly in the postpartum period. Bacteria occupy the breast through small erosions in a lactating woman's nipple and result in an abscess.
2. Breast Abscess is a localised collection of pus in the breast tissue, caused by a bacterial infection.
3. Chronic Mastitis is a type of infection which occurs in women who are not breastfeeding. In postmenopausal women, breast infections are related to chronic inflammation of the ducts below the nipple.
4. Hormonal changes in the body can cause the milk ducts to become clogged with dead skin cells and debris. These clogged ducts will make the breast more open to bacterial infection, which tends to return after antibiotics.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Age, Early menstrual period, Genetics, Family history, Personal history of breast cancer, Personal history of certain non-cancerous breast diseases, Race ethnicity, Obese, Pregnancy history, dense breasts, Drinking alcohol, use of combination hormone therapy and previous treatment using radiation therapy.