Breast lumps

Breast lumps are localized swellings, protuberances, bulges, or bumps in the breast that feel different from the surrounding tissue. They are a common condition and can result from various causes, ranging from benign cysts to malignant tumors. Understanding the nature and characteristics of breast lumps is crucial for early detection and management of potential breast diseases.

Causes

Breast lumps can arise from a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

• 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, which are usually benign.
• Fibroadenomas: Noncancerous tumors made up of fibrous and glandular tissue.
• Infections: Such as mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that can result in a lump.
• Intraductal papillomas: Small, wart-like growths in the ducts of the breast.
• Fat necrosis and oil cysts: Benign lumps formed by damaged fatty tissues.
• Breast cancer: Malignant tumors that can present as a lump in the breast.

Symptoms

While some breast lumps are painless, others may be accompanied by symptoms such as:

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

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a breast lump typically involves a combination of:

• Clinical breast exam: A physical examination by a healthcare provider.
• Mammography: An X-ray of the breast.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to produce images of structures within the breast.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of the breast using magnetic fields and radio waves.
• Biopsy: The removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment for breast lumps depends on the underlying cause:

• Benign lumps may not require treatment but could be monitored for changes.
• Infections may be treated with antibiotics.
• Surgery may be necessary to remove certain types of lumps, such as fibroadenomas or cancerous tumors.
• Cancer treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Prevention and Screening

Regular breast self-exams and routine clinical breast exams and mammograms as recommended by healthcare providers can help in early detection of breast lumps and underlying conditions.

See Also

• Breast cancer screening
• Breast self-examination
• Mammography
• Breast cancer