Source: New Vision
Salim Asha's breasts developed at the age of eight. By the time she was 16 years old, her breasts were so big for a girl of her age.
Today, the 19-year-old's breasts are uneven - the one on the right-hand side is much bigger than the left - with dark inflammations around the nipples.
"Lumps have developed in my breasts," Asha laments.
"The lumps were painless until early this year when the inflammation started,"she narrates.
Dr. Jaffer Balyejusa, a senior consultant surgeon at Mbale Hospital, says Asha is suffering from a benign tumour.
What is a benign tumour?
A benign tumour or lump is an abnormal growth of breast gland arising from hormonal fluctuation. Benign lumps can develop anywhere around the body, but they are commonest in the interior section of the breasts of female juveniles and adults below the age of 30.
According to Balyejusa, the common cause of benign lumps is abnormal development of breast tissue.
Other causes are breast infection, as it can ruin the normal growth of the breast tissue.
"Breasts may develop a benign lump when the victim is assaulted, such as when hit with a fist or blunt object because the traumatised spot tends to develop fats, causing a swelling," Balyejusa explains.
When a girl is about to start menstruation, her body undergoes numerous changes, including hormones such as growth of breast gland tissue.
Dr. Evelyne Kiyingi of Mulago Hospital says the breasts tend to enlarge and so does the tenderness of the breast tissue, as the periods draw nearer.
"In the process, a disorder may arise, causing the breast gland tissue to develop an abnormal growth that eventually degenerates into a lump or swelling," adds Balyejusa.
A discharge may ooze from the nipples, and in some circumstances, when the victim's breasts are examined, multiple lumps may be noticed.
Kiyingi says sometimes benign lumps assume a solid round shape that is painless.
However, she insists that medical practice usually demands specimen to be extracted and subjected to scrutiny to rule out cancer.
According to Balyejusa, 80% of breast lumps in female juveniles and young women below the age of 30, are benign.
He says breast cancer is common in women aged 40 and above.
Treatment
Balyejusa says the lumps can be treated and one does not necessarily have to undergo surgery because it is lengthy and costly.
"However, the commonest and most effective intervention is surgery. This is where the affected breast(s) are subjected to an incision and the lump removed," he explains.
According to Balyejusa, surgery for a benign tumour or swelling is free-of-charge in government hospitals.
He advises juveniles and young women to constantly examine their breasts.
"Should you notice a lump or a strange feature, seek medical attention," Balyejusa adds.
He warns that when neglected for long, benign tumours may become cancerous.