Is Breast Asymmetry Linked to Breast Cancer?

Is Breast Asymmetry Linked to Breast Cancer?

Breast asymmetry involves having a breast with a different shape or size than the other. Screening of breast cancer or mammogram may indicate asymmetrical size or density of the breast.

What does it mean to the health of a woman?

Breasts in many women are somewhat different in shape, size, and position. Uneven nipples and breasts are not always a cause for concern.

However, breast density or breast tissue that is considerably uneven is highly linked to increased risk of getting breast cancer.

Is breast asymmetry an indication of cancer?

A research done in 2015 showed that 20 percent of women whose breasts are uneven are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer.

If you notice the following unusual changes you should see your doctor:

A lump around or in the breast
Thickening or firmness of the tissue under or near the breast
A lump under your arm
A discharge from the nipple
A change in the nipple and points inward
Scaly or itchy skin on the breast dimpled

What needs to be known about breast cancer?

Although it is not a cause of concern to have asymmetrical breasts, a sudden change in shape and size of a breast is sign of breast cancer.

Here are signs and symptoms to learn more about and watch out:

Breast asymmetry and results of mammogram
A mammogram tests is an X-ray of the breast to check abnormalities such as lumps.
The test may also reveal whether the breasts have different densities. This is known as focal asymmetry or breast asymmetry. Focal asymmetry will not always mean that breasts feel or look different.

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When the breast asymmetry is new or changes, is referred to as developing asymmetry. If the mammogram screening shows any developing symmetry, there is a risk of developing breast cancer.

Other causes for asymmetrical breast density mammogram are:

Variation in the composition of fibrous tissue and fats in the breasts
A cyst in a breast
Fibrosis

What causes breast asymmetry?

At puberty level, both breasts grow at different pace. Breasts will appear asymmetrical until they have grown fully or remain different in shapes and sizes in one’s lifetime.

Changes in hormones can make one or both breasts to change at any point in one’s life such as:

During menstrual cycle
Near or during menopause
During breastfeeding or pregnancy
Use of hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills

Some other conditions that affect breast size and shape are:

Tubular breasts. They can grow in one or two breasts at puberty.
Amazia or amastia. This is a condition that brings problems during the development of breast tissue, nipple, or areola.

Poland syndrome. The chest muscle does not develop well affecting the breast on the side of the body.

Outlook

Breasts that have a slight breast differences in size do not pose a higher risk of breast cancer. If there is any significant difference in sizes, it may increase the risk.

When you experience changes that are unusual in your breast, see your doctor for an examination.
If you are 40 and above, it is advisable you get regular mammograms and do regular breast self-examination.