What Are Breast Lumps?

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Breast Cancer
Article Date: 20 Apr 2010 - 0:00 PDT

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A breast lump is a localized swelling, protuberance, bulge or bump in the breast that feels different from the breast tissue around it or the breast tissue in the same area of the other breast. The majority of breast lumps are not cancerous (benign), and can have various different causes, such as infection, trauma, fibroadenoma, cyst, or fibrocystic condition of the breast. Even so, a woman who detects a breast lump should have it evaluated as soon as possible.

Breast lumps may develop in both males and females, but are much more common in females.

The breast lump may feel as though it has definite borders, or like a general area of thickened tissue. The skin near the lump may become red, distended, or it may dimple. The signs and symptoms that may accompany breast lumps vary can differ considerably.

The female breast - consists of different types of tissue, including milk glands and milk ducts (tubes) that milk goes through. Breast tissue structures can alter in numbers, depending on the requirements at the time. The breast also contains fibrous connective tissue, fatty tissue, nerves, blood vessels and lymph nodes. Each part of the breast can react in varying ways to alterations in the female's body chemistry - impacting in the sensitivity and texture of the breast, and the development of breast lumps.

• An example of a non-cancerous (benign), fluid-filled sac in the breast is a breast cyst, which usually feels smooth and rubbery under the skin. Some breast cysts may be painless, while others are quite painful. Breast cysts are rare in women aged over 50. This is because they tend to be caused by hormones that control the menstrual cycle.
• If the ducts at the site of a hair follicle become plugged (blocked) a closed sac/cyst may develop below the skin - known as a sebaceous cyst. They may enlarge as a result of injury or hormone stimulation. Sebaceous cysts do not usually require treatment if there are no symptoms.
• Abscesses may be quite painful and may sometimes develop within the breast. They are non-cancerous. Nearby breast skin can become red and feel hot or solid. Women who are breast feeding are more likely to develop breast abscesses.
• Adenomas may also develop in the breast. They are abnormal growths of the glandular tissue in the breast or may be growths that resemble glandular tissue. Fibroadenomas are the most common types of adenomas in the breast, and tend to affect women under the age of 30 years - but may occur in older women too. They are not cancerous and are not related to breast cancer. Fibroadenomas are generally round and firm with smooth borders.
• Wart-like growths that develop in the ducts of the breast care called intraductal papillomas. They tend to develop under the nipple, and may sometimes have a bloody discharge. Younger women tend to have multiple growths, while females nearing the menopause usually have just one.
• A breast cancer lump (tumor) usually feels hard/firm. It typically has an irregular shape and may feel as if it is stuck to the skin or deep tissue within the breast. Breast cancer is hardly ever painful and can develop in any part of the breast or nipple.
• If fatty tissue in the breast becomes damaged or broken down, fat necrosis may occur. Lumps form in the breast (non-cancerous). They may be painful and the breast is typically tender. There may also be a nipple discharge. There may be a dimpling of the skin over the lump.
• A lump that is soft and generally movable and painless is probably a lipoma. It is a non-cancerous lump; a benign fatty tumor.

Even though the majority of breast lumps are benign - non-cancerous - they should not be dismissed until checked by a doctor.

• What Are Breast Lumps?
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Lumps
• What Are The Causes Of Breast Lumps?
• How Is A Breast Lump Diagnosed?
• What Are The Treatment Options For A Breast Lump?

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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