Breast lump

Breast lump refers to a localized swelling, protuberance, bulge, or bump in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue. Breast lumps can vary in size, shape, and texture and can occur in both men and women. While many breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), they can also be a sign of breast cancer, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

Causes

Breast lumps can arise from a variety of causes, including:

• Fibrocystic breast changes: These changes can cause the breasts to feel lumpy or rope-like and are often associated with hormonal fluctuations.
• Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs within the breast that are usually benign.
• Fibroadenomas: Solid, benign tumors that are most common in young women.
• Infection or abscesses: Infections in the breast, often associated with breastfeeding, can lead to the formation of lumps.
• Fat necrosis and oil cysts: These occur when fatty tissue in the breast is damaged and forms a lump.
• Breast cancer: Malignant tumors can form in the breast tissue and are the most serious cause of breast lumps.

Symptoms

In addition to the presence of a lump, symptoms of a breast lump may include:

• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• Pain or tenderness in the area of the lump
• Changes in the skin over the lump, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling
• Nipple discharge, which may be clear, bloody, or another color

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a breast lump typically involves a combination of:

• Physical examination: A healthcare provider will examine the breasts and the lump.
• Mammography: An X-ray of the breast that can help identify abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to produce images of the breast tissue, useful for determining if a lump is solid or fluid-filled.
• Biopsy: Removal of a small amount of tissue from the lump for examination under a microscope to determine if it is benign or malignant.

Treatment

Treatment for a breast lump depends on the cause:

• Benign lumps may not require treatment but could be monitored for changes.
• Infections may be treated with Antibiotics.
• Cysts can be drained if they are painful or bothersome.
• Surgery may be necessary to remove fibroadenomas or cancerous lumps.
• Breast cancer treatment may involve surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, and/or Hormone therapy.

Prevention and Screening

Regular breast self-exams and routine Mammograms are recommended for early detection of breast lumps. Women are advised to be familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts and to report any changes to their healthcare provider immediately.