Breast Lumps: Not Always Cancerous

As we strive to increase awareness of breast cancer, more and more women are performing monthly breast self-exams. That’s great, but it is also important to realize that not all lumps a woman may find are cancerous.

There are numerous types of breast tumors. While doing your regular breast self-exam, you may feel a breast fibroadenoma. These feel firm, round, smooth, rubbery, and may be movable. Fibroadenomas are the most common benign (not cancerous) breast tumor in woman younger than 30 and are made of glandular and fibrous breast tissue.

The exact cause of these tumors is unknown. Fibroadenomas seem to be influenced by estrogen, because they appear most often in pre-menopausal or pregnant women, or in women who are postmenopausal and taking hormone replacement therapy.

Research indicates these tumors are most common in women 15 to 30 years old and in pregnant women. They are much less common in postmenopausal women, unless the women are on estrogen therapy.

Because tumors come in different shapes, sizes and types (benign and/or cancerous), your doctor may order an ultrasound, mammogram or further exams, to identify the type of tumor that exists. Early detection is the most important key to surviving breast cancer, and early detection starts with women conducting monthly breast self-exams, every month.

The important thing is to contact your physician immediately if you find a breast mass. For more information about the breast services at Franklin Square, or to schedule an appointment, call (443) 777-7900 or visit franklinsquare.org.

Breast Cancer Awareness Night

Franklin Square Hospital Center is teaming with the Baltimore Blast to raise awareness of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Night will be held at the 1st Mariner Arena on Sunday, Feb. 20. The hospital will host pre-game activities including exhibits, games, prizes and the opportunity to speak with Dr. Okabe, along with Dr. Kristen Fernandez, breast surgeon and director of the Breast Center at Franklin Square.

The Blast will take the field against the Milwaukee Wave at 5:05 p.m. wearing special one-night-only pink jerseys. Blast fans can show their support by bidding for the unique game-worn jerseys in an online auction after the game. In addition, discounted tickets are available for just $16.

All proceeds from the jersey action and ticket promotion will support the Franklin Square Hospital Center Bosom Buddies Fund. This fund supports Franklin Square Breast Center patients with items such as transport services to treatment, medical supplies not covered by insurance, housekeeping services when patients are too ill and housing costs.

The discounted ticket offer is valid through the Blast office only (not at the 1st Mariner Arena box office or any other ticket locations). For tickets contact Brian Bauer at (410) 735-2092, (410) 732-1737 (fax) or bbauer@baltimoreblast.com or mail to : Baltimore Blast, Attention Brian Bauer, 1301 South Ellwood Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224.

For tickets:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/Baltimore-Blast-tickets/artist/806899?list_view=1 or call (410) 558-4294