Breast Clinic to address congenital deformities starts on 22nd Sep at RAK Hospital

During the week, 'Complimentary Consultation and Self Breast Examination Workshop' will be conducted under the guidance of Dr. Punam Bijlani, Clinical Head- Plastic and Reconstructive services at RAK Hospital.

The aim of the clinic is to educate people and outline the various congenital abnormalities that can affect the breasts and to discuss how and when they can be corrected or treated.

The spectrum covers a wide range of abnormalities from Asymmetry of Breasts, Poland's syndrome, underdeveloped breasts and abnormal shapes to accessory breasts/nipples.

Dr. Punam Bijlani is a renowned Plastic & Aesthetic surgeon with more than 14 years of experience. Her areas of expertise include aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries with focus on breast and body contouring surgeries.

This initiative highlights community outreach and RAK Hospital's vision of 'Wellness for all'.
•What: 'Abreast' Clinic @ RAK Hospital- Complimentary consultation focusing on congenital and developmental Breast abnormalities and Self breast Examination Workshop.
•When: Saturday, 22nd September 2012 - Thursday, 27th September from 11:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
•Contact: RAK Hospital.

"Congenital abnormalities of the breast and chest wall are common and timely treatment for such deformities is crucial. As the child is growing it is vital that they understand their physical development and are aware that it is in right direction, especially breast development. Most of the time such deformities go unnoticed due to lack of awareness and as such treatment is not done at the right time. Through this programme we aim to cover all these aspects related to awareness, early diagnosis and suitable treatment, keeping in mind the psychological issues associated. Teens or children with such deformities tend to face social embarrassment, low self esteem, depression and isolation from peers. Problems that occur relate to relationships and cultural beliefs. There are also functional problems encountered later in life with lactation and breast feeding. Most of the time surgical procedures are conducted to treat the abnormalities and hence timely diagnosis, appropriate referral, avoidance of unnecessary investigations, a multidisciplinary team approach, psychological support; and optimum timing of surgery are very important," said Dr. Punam Bijlani, Clinical Head- Plastic and Reconstructive services at RAK Hospital.

Some of the Congenital and developmental Abnormalities are:
1.Congenital Nipple Inversion. It is seen in 2% of the general population, with a family history of such a condition in 50% of patients. The cause for this abnormality is thought to be tethering and shortening of breast ducts, and development of fibrous bands behind the nipples during intrauterine life. It can cause mechanical problems with breast feeding.

2.Gynaecomastia:- The term gynecomastia stems from the Greek words gyne (woman) and mastos (breast), and describes female-like enlargement of the male breast. Gynecomastia is the most common form of breast hyperplasia, appearing in 30-57% of healthy men Up to 60% of males may develop this during adolescence, with peak incidence at mid-puberty.

3.Poland's Syndrome is congenital chest wall deformity, more common in males than females, this birth defect is characterized by underdevelopment or absence of the chest muscle on one or both side of the body.

4.Accessory Breast Tissue or Polymastia is usually diagnosed at puberty or during pregnancy when the accessory breast tissue develops along with the normal breasts. These are mostly asymptomatic, but can cause discomfort, and in some are seen as cosmetically unacceptable. Breast cancer cases have been reported in accessory breast tissue. Liposuction is useful for the fatty element of accessory breasts, and in some cases it is the only treatment required.

5.Asymmetry (Aplasia & Hypoplasia) of the Breast. One breast can be absent (aplasia) and this can occur in isolation or in association with a defect in (one or both) pectoral muscles. This 'true asymmetry' can be treated with various treatment options, including augmentation of the smaller breast with implant, reduction and mastopexy of the larger breast, or a combination of both these options. The best age to perform surgery is when the breasts have fully developed - usually approximately at age 17 or 18 years.

6.Amastia. The total absence of breast tissue and nipple-areola complex is called amastia.