I'm not familiar with the Tanaka massage techniques, though I learned a little about it while doing research for your question. However, the lymphatic system is connected throughout the body, so your theory doesn't seem unreasonable.
I'm a little concerned that your doctor was dismissive about any new lump in the breast, however. Has she been this way in the past when you have raised health concerns?
There is a chance that you have an infection there, and need antibiotics. Here's what the American Cancer Society says about new breast lumps:
"Breast lumps, like other symptoms, have to be considered along with other symptoms a woman may be having. For example, a new, tender lump that comes up at the same time as skin redness and a fever may be a sign of a breast infection. Still, any new lump or other change should be checked by a doctor or nurse, because at least one type of breast cancer (inflammatory breast cancer) can look a lot like an infection. Sometimes, even doctors have trouble telling the difference. Since this kind of breast cancer grows quickly, get back to the doctor right away with any breast infection that doesn't get better within a few days of being treated.
Pain
"Some women have breast pain or discomfort that is related to their menstrual cycle. This type of cyclic pain is most common in the week or so before a menstrual period. It often goes away once menstruation begins. Many women with fibrocystic changes have cyclic breast pain. This is thought to be caused by changes in hormone levels.
"Some benign breast conditions, such as breast inflammation (mastitis) may cause a more sudden pain in one spot. In these cases the pain is not related to the menstrual cycle. Rarely, breast cancer lumps can be painful, too."
Did you get the instructions for the massage from a massage therapist, a book or from the Internet? How long have you been doing it?
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Hi, Anon,
I'm not familiar with the Tanaka massage techniques, though I learned a little about it while doing research for your question. However, the lymphatic system is connected throughout the body, so your theory doesn't seem unreasonable.
I'm a little concerned that your doctor was dismissive about any new lump in the breast, however. Has she been this way in the past when you have raised health concerns?
There is a chance that you have an infection there, and need antibiotics. Here's what the American Cancer Society says about new breast lumps:
"Breast lumps, like other symptoms, have to be considered along with other symptoms a woman may be having. For example, a new, tender lump that comes up at the same time as skin redness and a fever may be a sign of a breast infection. Still, any new lump or other change should be checked by a doctor or nurse, because at least one type of breast cancer (inflammatory breast cancer) can look a lot like an infection. Sometimes, even doctors have trouble telling the difference. Since this kind of breast cancer grows quickly, get back to the doctor right away with any breast infection that doesn't get better within a few days of being treated.
Pain
"Some women have breast pain or discomfort that is related to their menstrual cycle. This type of cyclic pain is most common in the week or so before a menstrual period. It often goes away once menstruation begins. Many women with fibrocystic changes have cyclic breast pain. This is thought to be caused by changes in hormone levels.
"Some benign breast conditions, such as breast inflammation (mastitis) may cause a more sudden pain in one spot. In these cases the pain is not related to the menstrual cycle. Rarely, breast cancer lumps can be painful, too."
Did you get the instructions for the massage from a massage therapist, a book or from the Internet? How long have you been doing it?
May 6, 2010 - 8:44amThis Comment
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