Since benign breast tumors rarely develop cancerous cells, women diagnosed with fibroadenomas are often told to "watch and wait". Despite this recommendation, the majority of women opt to have their fibroadenoma treated due to uncomfortable physical symptoms and psychological anxiety. Open, excisional surgery previously provided the only option for removal of fibroadenomas. Surgery is still the most common treatment for benign tumors.

Although there has been no correlation with the herbal ingredients and breast cancer, any woman with known breast conditions should consult with their physician prior to taking any supplements.. back to the top of the page

A benign breast condition is any non-cancerous breast abnormality. The most common benign breast conditions include fibrocystic change, benign breast tumors, and breast inflammation. Most benign breast conditions such as fibrocystic change or fibroadenomas (small tumors) do not increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer later in life.

Brain tumors are diagnosed through a combination of physical exam and diagnostic tests. A neurological exam assesses both a patient's physical condition?balance, sensory abilities, and muscle movement, for example?and his or her mental status. Next, images of the brain are captured by scanning techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). In some cases, a physician may order a cerebral angiography, which is an X-ray of the brain's blood vessels.

The relationship here is usually caused by the increased menstrual blood loss associated with the fibroids. Aggressive iron supplementation may be required to prevent iron deficiency anemia from developing.

During a regular physical exam, your doctor can check your breasts to look for lumps or changes. Depending on your age and risk factors, the doctor may recommend that you have a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast. A mammogram can often find a lump that is too small to be felt. Sometimes a woman finds a lump during a breast self-exam. If you or your doctor finds a lump or other change, the doctor will want to take a sample of the cells in your breast. This is called a biopsy.

Yes, but benign lung tumors are rare. When they occur, they are treated in the same way as cancerous tumors because it may be hard to tell them apart before surgery.

Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells. They can grow very quickly, invade and destroy healthy tissues, and may spread to other areas of the brain. Slower growing brain tumors, or tumors that do not contain cancer cells may be referred to as “benign” or “non-malignant.” However, because the brain is inside the hard skull, there is no room for abnormal growths of cells.

Though risk increases with age, young women may also get breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute: Women over 20 years of age should practice breast self-examination (BSE) every month. Regardless of age, women should promptly report any breast abnormalities to their physician. Also, young women at high risk for breast cancer may wish to ask their physician about beginning mammograms before age 40.

In 2005, the American Cancer Society estimates that 211,240 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. About 40,410 women will die from the disease this year.

We know 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, but, to date, it has been very difficult to identify who is at risk. Current risk models are good at identifying populations at risk, but that does not help the specific patient understand her risk. Further, 8 out of 9 women that develop breast cancer will not have a direct relative with the disease. In other words, most women who develop cancer are not traditionally defined as "high risk" for the disease.

In Pennsylvania, women of low or moderate income who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer or a pre-cancerous condition can get quality care and treatment, regardless of their lack of insurance, through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program (BCCPT). return to top

Benign tumors can arise from any of the cell types present in the nose or sinuses. Benign tumors do not metastasize or spread to other parts of the body, but they can grow aggressively and cause destruction within the sinus cavity if not treated appropriately. Osteomas are frequently found and usually do not cause significant symptoms. They occur most frequently in the frontal, ethmoid and maxillary sinuses.

It is estimated that half of all women in the U.S. will seek consultation for a breast disorder in their lifetime. Many of these women are diagnosed with benign breast disease, defined as any non-cancerous breast abnormality. The most common benign breast tumor is fibroadenoma. Fibroadenomas can grow up to 4 cm or larger, the size of a golf ball, and cause pain, anxiety and disfigurement.

There are many breast cancer risk factors that cannot be controlled such as genetics, early menstruation and family history. Other aspects such diet, early child-bearing, and weight can be controlled to help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women who maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in polyunsaturated fats (such as corn oils, tub margarine) and saturated fats (such as those found in meats) may help lower their risk of the disease.

Our Women's Health Center is staffed with a Women's Health Specialist who will assist breast cancer patients in coordinating health care. For more information, call Bobbi Pearson, R.N., at 301-552-8209.

The product is a dietary supplement and is considered safe for pregnant and lactating women. We recommend that a physician be consulted before making any changes to your diet.