Breast atrophy
Breast Atrophy
Breast atrophy (/ˈbrɛst/ /ˈætrəfi/), also known as mammary atrophy, is a medical condition characterized by the reduction in size and loss of tissue of the breast. This condition can occur due to various reasons including aging, hormonal changes, or medical treatments.
Etymology
The term "breast atrophy" is derived from two words. "Breast" comes from the Old English word "breost" which means 'the breast, the chest,' and "atrophy" comes from the Greek word "atrophia" which means 'a wasting away'.
Causes
Breast atrophy can be caused by several factors including:
- Aging: As women age, the fatty tissue that makes up most of the breast can start to break down and be replaced by connective tissue, leading to a decrease in breast size.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal imbalances, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels, can lead to breast atrophy. This is often seen in women during menopause.
- Medical treatments: Certain medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy for breast cancer can cause breast atrophy.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of breast atrophy is a noticeable decrease in breast size. Other symptoms may include changes in breast shape, loss of fullness, and sagging.
Treatment
Treatment for breast atrophy depends on the underlying cause. Hormone replacement therapy may be used in cases where hormonal imbalances are the cause. In other cases, surgical procedures such as breast augmentation or breast lift may be considered.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Breast atrophy
- Wikipedia's article - Breast atrophy
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