Breast Conditions
Breast Conditions — Benign, Pre-Cancerous & Cancerous
Breast Conditions — Benign, Pre-Cancerous & Cancerous
Understanding Breast Conditions
Most breast changes are not cancer, but early assessment is the key to peace of mind.
Breast conditions cover a wide spectrum, from cysts and benign lumps to pre-cancerous changes and breast cancer. Many people experience breast symptoms at some point in their lives, such as pain, nipple discharge, or skin changes and while most are not cancerous, it is important to have them properly assessed. Early evaluation helps identify which changes are normal, which may need monitoring, and which require treatment.
In Australia, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, with 1 in 7 women diagnosed in their lifetime. Men can also develop breast conditions, including breast cancer, though this is far less common. Other non-cancerous conditions, such as fibroadenomas, phyllodes tumours, or gynaecomastia in men, may still require investigation to confirm a safe diagnosis.
Accurate assessment usually involves a combination of clinical examination, breast imaging (mammogram or ultrasound), and biopsy when needed. This “triple test” approach is considered the gold standard for diagnosis in Australia. Timely and accurate evaluation provides peace of mind, guides treatment, and ensures the best outcomes.
When to Seek Help
If something feels different, it’s worth checking.
If you notice any of the following, you should contact your GP or book a consultation with our clinic:
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- Nipple changes: discharge, inversion, skin changes
- Persistent breast pain
- Significant asymmetry, swelling, or skin changes
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is not a single disease but a group of conditions that behave differently depending on their biology and stage. Some cancers grow slowly and only require surgical treatment with, or without hormone therapy, while others require more intensive treatment such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Early detection through screening and imaging plays a vital role in identifying breast cancer at a stage where it can be treated most effectively.
Treatment usually involves surgery as the cornerstone of care, often combined with other therapies tailored to the individual. Recovery and follow-up and monitoring are also an important part of the journey, supporting both physical and emotional wellbeing.
While the diagnosis can feel overwhelming, advances in detection and treatment mean that survival continues to improve, with an excellent long term outcome.
You can learn more about types of breast cancer, staging, and the treatments on our Breast Cancer page.
Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a group of techniques and procedures that reshapes and reduces the size of the breasts to create a more balanced and comfortable contour. For some people, this is motivated by medical concerns such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or difficulty with exercise. For others, the procedure is sought to bring their physical appearance into closer alignment with their personal sense of comfort and identity. In both cases, the surgery can provide significant improvements in quality of life.
The operation involves the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, followed by reshaping to achieve a proportionate result. Surgical techniques vary depending on individual anatomy and goals, but the aim is always to create a natural, balanced appearance while reducing discomfort.
You can read about some of the different techniques used on the Oncoplastic Breast Surgery page.
Benign & Pre-Cancerous Breast Conditions
Not all breast changes are cancer, but some may carry an increased risk of developing malignancy over time. These include conditions such as fibroadinoma, breast cysts, phyllodes tumours, papillomas, and radial scars. While many of these lesions are benign, careful evaluation through imaging, biopsy, and sometimes surgical excision is essential to confirm the diagnosis and reduce future risk. Management is always tailored to the individual, taking into account the type of lesion, its size, and the patient’s personal and family history, ensuring safe, evidence-based care while minimising unnecessary intervention.
In addition to the above conditions, we specialise in treating the following conditions:
- Breast cancer
- Breast lumps
- Breast pain
- Breast skin changes
- Nipple changes or discharge
- Accessory breast tissue
- Accessory nipple
- Breast reduction
- Enlarged male breast (Gynaecomastia)
- High risk breast cancer gene carrier
Simon Tsao - Cancer Treatment Specialist
Combining surgical precision, oncoplastic techniques, and compassionate cancer care.
A/Prof Simon Tsao is a highly specialized clinician with a primary focus on cancer treatment and care. With subspecialist training for breast and endocrine surgery, A/Prof Tsao has completed several fellowship years at both St. Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, and St. George's Hospital in London to be trained in specialised oncoplastic surgical techniques. With extensive expertise in managing breast cancer, he provides compassionate and knowledgeable support to patients throughout their journey.
A/Prof Tsao's research focuses on advancing our understanding of cancer biomarkers, aiming to develop innovative techniques to detect cancer and treatment efficacy improving patient treatment outcomes. By staying at the forefront of oncology advancements, he ensures that his patients receive the most advanced and effective care available.
Links to Additional Information
Contact
| Email: | info@simontsao.com |
| Phone: | (03) 9133 6639 |
| Fax: | (03) 7067 9936 |
| Location: | Melbourne, Australia |
| Hospitals: | Epworth Richmond, Warringal Private, Western Private |
Appointment booking is provided in English.
Consultations are provided in English and Mandarin Chinese.