Not all lumps in the breast are cancerous, although women should always seek medical advice as soon as one is detected. — 123rf.com
Changes to your breasts can cause a lot of worry. This is understandable.
As you discovered though, not all breast changes are a result of breast cancer.
Any breast symptoms, such as a breast lump, nipple discharge or breast pain, should be evaluated by a medical professional.
If the symptoms are diagnosed as benign, it means they are not cancer.
Non-cancerous breast symptoms are known as benign breast disease.
Some cases of benign breast disease are discovered during a screening mammogram.
Some are felt at home.
For any lump or symptoms felt at home, it’s recommended that you seek a thorough examination with a healthcare professional.
If there are findings on a mammogram, your healthcare team will decide if additional imaging is required.
This could include another mammogram to get more images of the spot and an ultrasound of the breast.
Often, we can determine whether the cause is benign or not through imaging alone.
Sometimes, a biopsy may be necessary.
While benign breast disease is not cancer, some types of this disease need treatment and can increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
Ask your healthcare professional which type of benign breast disease you have and if it increases your personal risk.
If you have a history of cancer or other concerns, consider seeking out a specialist at a breast care centre.
Here are a few of the most common types of benign breast disease:
Fibroadenomas are the most common benign tumours in the breast.
Most often, they occur in people between ages 15 and 35.
They often present as a firm, round, smooth and rubbery breast lump on a breast exam.
Many fibroadenomas are only monitored with repeat ultrasounds.
They do not increase your risk for breast cancer in the future.
Sometimes, cysts, which are fluid-filled masses, can develop in the breast.
They can present as lumps in breast tissue or found on a mammogram.
They don’t always cause symptoms, but breast cysts that grow can lead to breast pain and tenderness.
They are common between the ages of 35 and 60, and can fluctuate with menstrual cycles.
Breast cysts do not increase your risk of breast cancer.
This is inflammation of the breast tissue caused by blocked milk ducts or bacteria in the breast.
It commonly affects women who are breastfeeding, but can also occur in women who aren’t breastfeeding.
The inflammation leads to breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness.
Mastitis is treated using antibiotics and pain relievers.
It does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
A papilloma is a growth in a milk duct and can present as nipple discharge.
It may also present as a small lump behind or next to the nipple.
A biopsy can help doctors determine whether papillomas need to be treated, as they can sometimes contain atypical cells that can increase your risk for breast cancer.
Treatment also depends on the size, if there are multiple lumps, or if they are causing symptoms.
Surgery may be recommended to remove the papillomas.
This is diagnosed by a biopsy of an abnormal finding on a breast examination or breast imaging.
It is an accumulation of abnormal cells in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast.
Atypical hyperplasia isn’t cancer, but it increases the risk of breast cancer.
For this reason, the area is sometimes removed with surgery.
Often, healthcare teams recommend intensive breast cancer screenings and medications to reduce breast cancer risk.
All breast changes should be discussed with your healthcare team.
In addition, an annual physical exam is a good way to review your risk for breast cancer and discuss an appropriate screening schedule for you. – By Dr Caroline Clune/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service
Dr Caroline Clune is an internal medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Wisconsin, United States.
