Introduction
Breasts are a part of the female reproductive system. Breast asymmetry indicates that the size or shape of one breast is different from the other in the same individual. Sometimes, it is visible in the body but there are chances of noticing the asymmetry in breast size or density in mammogram or breast cancer screening.
Most women naturally have asymmetric breasts. The difference can be in shape, size, and position. Uneven nipples or breasts are not a concern usually. However, significantly uneven breast tissue or density of breast density has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Regular mammograms can be utilized for detecting any abnormal changes in the breast tissue.
Is It Normal To Have Asymmetric Breasts?
In the majority of the cases, breast asymmetry is normal. Even literature supports that the two sides of an individual’s whole body can be slightly different from each other but somehow make the golden proportion. Anyway, breast asymmetry can be noticed easily, and thus, questions may arise whether it is normal or not. It is necessary to visit a physician if you notice any significant change in the breast symmetry as huge changes in the breast are less common. Although it is not indicative of any serious medical concern, it is always advisable to get it checked.
Can Breast Asymmetry Indicate Cancer?
Uneven breasts can be checked using regular mammograms to detect any abnormal changes in the early stages itself. A study in 2015 reported that women having breast changes or size differences more than 20 percent may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The physician should look for any abnormality or unusual changes in the breast. Following are some of them:
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Presence of a lump in or around the breast.
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Any firm or thick breast near the breast or under the arm.
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Any unusual change in the size or shape of the breast causes a lump under the arm.
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Any fluid discharge or any type of discharge from the nipple changes in the nipple like inward-pointing of the nipple.
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Presence of dimpled or puckered breast skin
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Changes in skin around the breast like redness, itchiness, or scaly skin.
What Are The Causes Of Breast Asymmetry?
Breast development starts at puberty. During the development, the right and left breasts may develop at different speeds. Hence, the breasts can seem to be irregular or asymmetric until their complete development. There are chances that this asymmetry may continue throughout life.
Thus, the most common cause is hormonal changes. This can happen at any point in time like:
· During specific points of the menstrual cycle.
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During or while nearing menopause.
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During pregnancy.
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While breastfeeding.
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In women who use hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills.
The breast changes that occur due to hormonal imbalance tend to come back to normal once the levels of the hormones are stabilized. Also, these hormonal changes can lead to lumpy breasts or make you lose fat and tissue. If these changes stay persistent, you should visit your physician to know the underlying cause and get it treated. Some other underlying medical conditions can lead to a change in breast shape and size. They are as follows:
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Amastia or Amazia: It is a clinical condition that causes issues with the development of breast tissue, nipple, or the areola.
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Tubular Breasts: It is also called breast hypoplasia. This condition can develop in one or both breasts and is seen during puberty.
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Poland Syndrome: It is a clinical condition in which there is improper development of chest muscle. This can lead to underdevelopment of the breast on that affected side or it may make the breast on the affected side look smaller.
How Can It Be Diagnosed?
The asymmetry can sometimes be noticed by you and sometimes it can be visible during a regular physical breast examination. Your physician may also ask for a mammogram to check for the irregularity or it can be an accidental finding during routine examination through a mammogram.
A mammogram is a breast X-ray that is used to check for any abnormality in the breasts including the presence of lumps. This X-ray may also change the density changes in the breast. This is called breast asymmetry or focal asymmetry. Focal asymmetry does not always indicate that breasts seem to be or feel different. Although dense breast tissue is conventionally known to be as healthy as less dense breast tissue, the result shown in a mammogram can indicate a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer. If the breast asymmetry is recent, it is known to be a developing asymmetry. If developing asymmetry is noticed, it indicates that the person has nearly a 12.18 % chance of developing breast cancer in the future.
There are various other possible causes for asymmetrical breast density in mammograms which are as follows:
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Presence of a cyst in one breast
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Normal changes in the composition of fats and fibrous tissue constituting the breasts.
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Fibrosis, or the presence of a huge amount of fibrous tissue.
Once the mammogram is done, your physician may refer you to get additional tests which include another mammogram or ultrasound. Another mammogram will help in checking both the breasts thoroughly and ultrasound testing is done as an additional test to investigate for any signs of breast cancer.
Also, your physician may ask for a biopsy test. In this, the breast tissue will be sent to the laboratory to check for the presence of cancer cells. The most common method of removing tissue for biopsy examination includes the usage of a fine needle.
Women must get regular breast examinations at least from the age of 35 years to 40 years. So that any abnormal changes can be detected in the early stages.
Conclusion
Asymmetrical breasts are mostly natural and common. But if there is a significant change in breast size or shape and the asymmetry is developing recently, it is important to consult a doctor to know the underlying cause. Online medical platforms have made consulting a physician or specialist easy. Thus, you can consult a specialist online to know more about breast asymmetry.
