Mammology in Germany

It is hard to name the exact cause of breast disease. Stress, smoking and the environment, which deteriorates year after year, are all held responsible. The main thing, however, is not to miss the moment when a disorder begins to develop. Many women who feel some discomfort and pain in the breast are in no hurry to see a specialist.

We advise you not to postpone a visit to the doctor, but to book an appointment with a breast specialist as soon as any of the following symptoms appear:

• the breast has changed shape (it has suddenly grown larger, or become asymmetrical);
• you have found a lump or a small nodule in the breast;
• the breast is swollen and red;
• you feel constant pain in the breast that is not linked to your menstrual cycle;
• you have noticed unusual nipple discharge;
• ulcers have appeared on the skin of the breast;
• the shape of the nipples has changed (for example, one of them has become inverted);
• the axillary lymph nodes have become enlarged.

You should certainly see a breast specialist if hormonal disorders or gynaecological conditions have been diagnosed, in the event of any breast injury and before starting oral contraceptives. A consultation with a breast specialist is also necessary when planning a pregnancy. The earlier a disease is detected, the more effective the treatment will be. We recommend seeing a breast specialist at least once a year.

There are so-called risk groups: if you recognise yourself in the list below, you should see a breast specialist soon.

The risk group includes those who:

• are under the care of an endocrinologist;
• have a history of gynaecological conditions (fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovaries);
• take oral contraceptives on a regular basis;
• gave birth for the first time after the age of 35;
• chose not to breastfeed without any objective reason;
• have relatives suffering from cancer.