Breast Disease Specialist
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David W. Ranson, MD, FACS
General & Vascular Surgeon located in South Charleston, WV
Whether you have a benign lump or a malignant tumor, David W. Ranson, MD, FACS, is a doctor you can trust to treat diseased tissue in your breast. At his office in South Charleston, West Virginia, Dr. Ranson treats all types of breast disease with the compassion and professionalism his patients have come to expect under his care. Dr. Ranson has more than 20 years of experience in treating breast disease. He is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons and Director of the Breast Center of Thomas Health Care Systems. To schedule a consultation, call David W. Ranson, MD, FACS, or book online today.
Breast Disease Q & A
What is breast disease?
Breast disease is any type of benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) condition affecting the tissue in your breasts. While breast cancer is the most well-known type of breast disease, many conditions can cause breast pain and discomfort.
What are the different types of breast disease?
The most common types of breast disease include:
Benign lumps
Benign lumps are noncancerous growths that typically develop due to fluctuating hormone levels. While benign breast disease typically affects women, men can also develop enlarged breasts or diseased breast tissue.
Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammatory breast tissue that can progress to an infection without treatment. This painful condition often causes discomfort, redness, and swelling of the breasts. While mastitis can happen at any time, it’s most common in breastfeeding women.
Breast cysts
Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are smooth and easily moveable. These cysts may feel firm or slightly squishy, like a water balloon.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, after skin cancer. It occurs when the cells in your breasts start growing abnormally, dividing at a rapid rate. Eventually, these cells clump together and form a cancerous mass in your breast.
What are the symptoms of breast disease?
Breast disease symptoms vary from person to person. You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Ranson right away if you experience any of the following symptoms in your breasts:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Redness
- Heat that feels warm to the touch
- Nipple discharge
- Lumps
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin dimple
- Nipples that turn inward
You should perform a breast self-exam about once a month to familiarize yourself with the texture and appearance of your breasts. This can help you identify sudden changes to your breasts.
What are the treatments for breast disease?
After performing a comprehensive exam of your breasts, Dr. Ranson may recommend a mammogram or MRI to detect any masses inside your breasts. If he finds a lump, he may perform a biopsy of the mass for further testing.
If you have a condition like mastitis, antibiotics can help clear your infection, while pain relievers may reduce pain and inflammation.
Cysts typically go away on their own, but if you have a cyst, benign lump, or cancerous tumor that’s distorting the shape of your breast or damaging your health, Dr. Ranson will schedule you for breast surgery.
During your surgery, Dr. Ranson administers anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free. Next, he uses advanced imaging tools and surgical instruments to remove the diseased tissue from your breast without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.
Schedule an appointment with David W. Ranson, MD, FACS, today, or book online to learn more.