Inflammation in the breast is an indication that there is a problem in the breast that should be addressed.  The medical term for breast inflammation is mastitis. 

Inflammation may be a sign of an infection, associated with a superficial skin irritation and in some cases could be a symptom of a rare type of breast cancer.

Breast inflammation typically occurs in women between the ages of 18-50. But, it can occur in older women and men.

Inflammation may develop anywhere in the breast. Signs of inflammation include redness that feels warm when touched, irritation, swelling and pain. When an infection develops, in addition to the signs of inflammation there may also be a painful breast mass, tenderness and swelling, body aches, fatigue, breast engorgement, fever, chills and shaking.

Breast inflammations with infection occur most often in breastfeeding women. Bacteria from the skin or baby's mouth can enter the breast through a crack in the nipple and cause an infection.

Non-breastfeeding women can be affected by breast inflammation and infection as well. 

Postmenopausal hormonal changes cause changes in the breast that may lead to inflammation or infections.  Other potential causes are another infection in the body, lumpectomies followed by radiation therapy, diabetes, chronicillness, AIDS, smoking, an impaired immunesystem or a rare form of cancer called inflammatory carcinoma.  In addition, women and men with large breasts can develop bacterial or fungal infections of the skin due to excessive sweating in hot weather.

Breast cellulitis is another type of infection that can develop.  Any break in the skin creates an opening for bacteria to enter body tissue creating an opportunity for cellulitis or infection to develop.  Anything from an insect bite to accidental scratches or surgery can be a culprit.

Breast infections that are not promptly addressed may worsen and lead to an abscess which is a pocket of pus. Infections that reach this stage often require surgical drainage.

Breast inflammation and infection may be diagnosed by a physical examination.  Tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, breast biopsy, blood work, cultures of breast milk or fluid aspirated from the breast may also be used.      

Treatment typically includes antibiotics and over-the counter or prescribed pain medication. Superficial skin infections may be treated with antifungal or antibacterial cream.  Some infections may require surgical intervention if they do not respond to more conservative treatment or if the infection is deep in the breast tissue. 

Tips that may help breastfeeding women reduce infection risk include: careful nipple care, feeding and pumping milk often to prevent breast engorgement, emptying one breast before switching to the other during feeding, alternating the breast offered first at each feeding,  changing your breastfeeding position from one feeding to the next, proper breastfeeding technique with good latching by the baby, not letting your baby use your breast as a pacifier and weaning slowly rather than abruptly.

Lower your risk of topical skin infections and cellulitis by keeping skin and any open wounds clean.

Women of all ages, breast feeding or not, should consult their physician if they experience any of the following symptoms: signs of inflammation or infection, abnormal discharge from the nipples, breast pain that affects daily function or prolonged breast pain, suspicious lump or other noticeable change in the breast, or a  mass or tender lump that does not disappear after breastfeeding.

To reach the Breast Cancer & Women’s Health Institute of Central Pennsylvania call (814) 470-7732.

The United States Healthcare systems, from solo practice physicians to large medical centers or health care organizations, are now in competition to gain access to patients because they represent dollars.

Unfortunately, advertising about health care is here as a result. But do the ads really help you choose where to go? Does a catchy jingle or a logo really mean goodhealthcare? Is good healthcare provided by a new building or a healthcare insurance plan? No, the jingle and logo mean a good advertising department and the building and plan signify a team of administrators. Good health care comes from good doctors who surround themselves with good staff. The doctor on the billboard or TV commercial may look good, but who is that doctor? Do you want to put your life in their hands because they made a commercial?  Bottom line is, know your doctor!

David R. Arbutina, MD, FACS a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He is an expert, educator and leader in surgery who since 1988 has dedicated his career to the treatment of breast cancer.

As an expert, Dr. Arbutina has cared for well over 1,000 breast cancer patients. He has also treated thousands of women with benign breast conditions and has the expertise to distinguish between the two.  He has personally been the lead investigator in breast cancer research protocols.  He has been an advocate for surgical education. Then, Colonel Arbutina, was the director of one of four general surgery residencies in the United States Air Force. He was in charge of the program for 10 years and was personally responsible for training over 50 Air Force surgeons who through his guidance now practice in many different surgical fields. He continues to maintain his academic appointment at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences at Bethesda.  As a leader, he was the chief consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General in general surgery and was responsible for surgical assignments around the world. He is a past President of the Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons and was also awarded that society’s Excalibur Award.

Today, Dr. Arbutina is the current President of the Keystone Chapter of the American College of Surgeons where over the past 5 years he has personally directed 2 educational programs for the regions surgeons. Finally, he is a governor of the American College of Surgeons, and as such, helps forge policies to promote safe and economical surgical care across the nation.

Do not rely on logos, TV commercials or billboards as a guide to your health needs. If you have a breast problem, contact an expert with a record of excellence in the field. Do your homework and know your surgeon.

If you have a breast problem Dr. David Arbutina, the Director of the Breast Cancer Institute of Central Pennsylvania, would be honored to help you through your trying times. For an appointment call (814) 470-7732.

David Arbutina, MD, FACS is a governor of the American College of Surgeons and the current President of its Keystone Chapter. His surgical practice has been focused on breast cancer since 1988 and he has been involved in research and education about this topic for 24 years.

The most current research indicates that five percent of breast cancers occur in women under age 40.  Even though Breast Cancer in young woman is rare, it is still important to educate young women on breast health.  Talking to your daughter about breast cancer can be a difficult conversation.  Women can be taught about breast health at an early age.  Topics of breast health can include:

1. Eating a healthy well-balanced low fat diet.   Researchers from the University of California at Davis found that a diet linked to obesity and harmful metabolic changes stimulated early breast growth and led to abnormal tissues in the breast that may produce breast cancer.

2. Speak candidly to your daughter about checking their breasts.  When speaking to your daughter reassure her that breast cancer in young women is rare; however it is good practice to learn about breast health at a young age.  By age 20 women should begin having clinical breast exams, at least every three years then every year after the age of 40.  Self breast exams should be done on a monthly basis beginning in puberty.  Listening to breast health education and awareness may decrease the fear your daughter may have about breast cancer.

3. Know your daughter’s risks of breast cancer: age and family history.  If a family history of breast cancer exists, inform your daughter’s primary care physician.  This will permit the physician to discuss the risk factors and prevention measures with your daughter.  Teenagers learn by example.  Moms can teach their daughters about self breast exams by demonstration.  Having conversations about the importance of screenings and self breast exams will increase breast health awareness. Reassure your daughter that if she discovers a lump, it does not mean she has breast cancer.  There are many normal changes that take place in breasts as women age as well as throughout the menstrual cycle. 

There are certain guidelines to follow when determining if a physician should be consulted.  If your daughter experiences any of the following symptoms, call her doctor:

1. a hard knot or lump near her underarm
2. changes in color, size, shape or texture
3. dimples, puckers, bulges or ridges on the skin of your breast
4. an inverted nipple
5. redness, warmth, swelling or pain
6. itching, scales, sores or rashes
7. a clear or bloody nipple discharge

Teaching your daughter about making healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce breast cancer risk.  Healthy lifestyle choices include: maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol intake, and not smoking.  Practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors will not only decrease the chances that breast cancer will occur, they can lower your risk of other serious illnesses!

If you have a breast problem the Breast Cancer & Women’s Health Institute of Central Pennsylvania, would be honored to help you through your trying times.  For an appointment call (814) 470-7732.

David Arbutina, MD, FACS is a governor of the American College of Surgeons and the current President of its Keystone Chapter. His surgical practice has been focused on breast cancer since 1988 and he has been involved in research and education about this topic for 24 years.

Breast pain is relatively common and experienced by an estimated 50% to 70% of women. In medical terms breast pain is referred to as mastodynia, mastalgia or mammalgia.

Women with breast pain often fear it is a symptom of breast cancer. In fact, it is rarely a sign of breast cancer and only a small percentage of women with breast cancer experience breast pain as a symptom.

Breast pain can occur in women of all ages and can range from mild tenderness, tingling or discomfort to severe pain.  It can be present in one or both breasts and has many causes.

Causes of breast pain may include hormonal changes, cysts, trauma, breast surgery, certain medications, infertility treatment, breast size, water retention, an infection in the breast, stress, breast feeding, Page Closingpregnancy, going on or off of hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills or from an ill fitting bra.  Since there are so many potential causes of breast pain, it can be challenging to diagnose.

Generally, breast pain is categorized as either cyclical or noncyclical.

Cyclical breast pain is most common. It is associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle.  This type of breast pain usually affects both breasts. It is described as dull, heavy or aching and is often accompanied by breast swelling or lumpiness.  Noncyclical breast pain is less common. It is unrelated to the menstrual cycle and usually occurs in postmenopausal women. This type of breast pain is often described as a tight, burning or sore sensation that is persistent. Typically it is localized to one breast.   Noncyclical breast pain may come from somewhere else, such as the muscles or joints and radiate to the breast. Causes of noncyclical breast pain may include trauma to the breast or arthritic pain in the chest cavity or neighboring areas.

Pain is a warning signal that something in the body is awry and should not be ignored.  Women are advised to consult with their physician if any of these symptoms occur.

(1) If their breast pain does not go away at the end of their menstrual cycle.

(2) If they experience any breast pain that lasts for more than a couple of weeks or if the pain worsens. 

(3) If pain is localized to a specific area of the breast. 

(4) If the pain interferes with daily activities.

Treatment for breast pain can vary from addressing infection or cysts to simple lifestyle modifications such as wearing a proper fitting bra, avoiding caffeine, using over the counter or prescribed medications, stress reduction and dietary modifications to name a few.  

Don’t ignore breast pain. Consult with your physician and follow your physician’s recommendations.

To reach the Breast Cancer & Women’s Health Institute of Central Pennsylvania call (814) 470-7732.