Breast Disease Most benign breast lumps and cysts occur in women aged 35 to 50. A biopsy, in which a tissue sample is removed for pathological study, may be necessary to determine if the lump is cancerous. If a cancerous tumor is detected, it will usually be removed surgically and assessed for size and the factors that might cause it to grow, such as whether its growth is influenced by estrogen. Benign lumps are usually removed during a biopsy. Although loss of bone mass is part of the aging process for both men and women, it occurs earlier and progresses more rapidly in women, possibly leading to more severe consequences.
Osteoporosis affects most women to some degree.
Bone loss starts at about 40 years of age and increases about twofold in the decade following menopause. Early detection may show premature loss of bone mass and allow time to take measures to prevent the complications of this disorder. By this time, the risk of serious injury is high. At present, QDR is considered the best method. It is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the cause of bone loss.