Breast conditions: consultation in Marrakech

Breast pain, a lump, nipple discharge, a change in the skin or shape of the breast, inflammation while breastfeeding: an examination looks for the cause.

It includes your history, examination of the breasts and armpits, then, depending on age and situation, imaging (ultrasound, mammography).

Cycle-related pain, benign cysts and nodules, infections: many are monitored or treated simply. Medical advice remains necessary to tell them apart from rarer abnormalities.

A hard or growing lump, bloody discharge, a retracted nipple, skin changes, a lump in the armpit: consult promptly.

Every woman's breasts are her own, and they change with the cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding and age. Knowing them lets you notice a change: a new lump, a skin change, a discharge, a retracted nipple, a lymph node in the armpit.

Regular self-palpation, preferably a few days after a period, helps. It replaces neither a clinical examination by a doctor nor imaging when indicated.

Depending on your age and situation, the doctor may request a breast ultrasound, often useful in younger women or dense breasts, and a mammogram, the reference screening test from a certain age or according to risk factors.

An MRI is sometimes offered in particular situations. If an image is doubtful, a sample (biopsy) clarifies its nature. Each test is explained to you before it is done.

Breast pain (mastalgia) is very common. It is often cyclical, stronger before periods, and harmless. It can also be linked to contraception, a treatment, pregnancy, muscle tension or a cyst.

Isolated pain is rarely a sign of cancer. However, persistent or localised pain, or pain with a lump, justifies an examination and sometimes imaging.

The great majority of breast changes are benign: fluid-filled cysts, fibroadenomas (small firm, mobile lumps, especially in young women), fibrocystic changes. They are recognised by examination and imaging, sometimes monitored, and treated only if necessary.

Only an examination can tell a benign lump from a change to watch closely: do not reassure yourself on the basis of what you feel.

Nipple discharge is most often benign, but its colour, whether it is spontaneous and whether it comes from one or several ducts guide the doctor and justify an opinion.

During breastfeeding, sharp pain with redness and fever suggests a breast infection (mastitis) which can be treated; consult without delay. The doctor also advises on breastfeeding difficulties and weaning.

Some factors raise the risk of breast disease: a history of breast or ovarian cancer in relatives, particularly at a young age, a personal history of a lesion to monitor, certain hormone treatments, but also alcohol, tobacco, overweight and a sedentary life.

If you have a family history, mention it at the first consultation: the doctor assesses your personal risk and adapts the starting age and rhythm of surveillance. When a cancer is diagnosed, the doctor refers you to the specialised oncology team and remains there to support you with gynaecological follow-up.

Breast follow-up is adapted to your age and history. If further tests or specialist care are needed, referral and coordination are provided.