Today, you woke up fresh in the morning after a good night’s sleep. You carry on with your regular routine and you go for a shower. Before the shower you realise that you haven’t examined your breasts in a while, so you begin self-examining your breast. In a second, your happy thoughts are shattered as you notice a lump. You panic tremendously and start searching online about the lump and if it is related to breast cancer. Is this how you landed on this page? Well, you are at the right page, this article will help you calm down rather than panic for what you have found today – a breast lump.
Among all the medical information available online, the one that has garners attention, especially among women is – ‘if you notice any lump in your breast, get it check immediately, it may indicate breast cancer’. While there is a chance that the lump indicates breast cancer, that is not always the case. About 80% of the breast lumps are non-cancerous (benign).
Breast lumps are common, particularly in younger women. They vary in size and texture and may be painful. Some lumps are not found until a physical or imaging exam. Several common causes include breast infections, injury, or normal changes in breast tissue.
Let us discuss the common causes of breast lumps, other than cancer:
Fibrocystic changes: Most women may have noticed changes in their breast before their periods. The fibrous breast tissue, mammary glands and ducts produce an exaggerated response to the changes in ovarian hormones during ovulation, which result in the fibrous lump or numerous, small cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs. These changes are known as fibrocystic changes. Lumps may be rubbery or hard, and can occur in both breasts, which can increase in size and tenderness, just before menstruation. Nipple discharge may also occur. These changes usually do not occur after menopause unless the woman receives hormone therapy.
Fibrocystic changes are the most common non-cancerous breast condition, which affects about 50-60% of all women. These changes are more prevalent in women between the ages of 20 and 50. This condition does not require any treatment; however, ways to ease the monthly changes may be advised by the doctor.
Fibroadenomas: These are solid, round, rubbery lumps of fibrous and glandular tissue. They are usually painless and not tender, but tenderness may be felt before menstruation. The lumps move easily under the skin when rolled with pads of the fingers.
Fibroadenomas are more common among women between 18 and 35 years of age. Also, they are more common in African American women. If required, fibroadenomas can be surgically removed.
Papillomas: These are wart-like, small growths in the lining of the mammary duct,. They may cause discharge from the nipple, which can be clear or bloody.
Papillomas commonly affect women who are between 30 to 50 years. These growths can be removed with surgery.
Infection: Sometimes, infection may cause a painful lump, with or without redness. A breast infection, called mastitis, is most common among breastfeeding moms. This infection occurs when the common bacteria found on the skin, get into the mammary ducts through cracks or breaks in the skin of the nipple. The fatty tissues of the breast are infected, resulting in swelling, which pushes on the milk ducts. This leads to pain and lumps in the infected breast.
Lumps due to mastitis may be relieved by a hot shower, while allowing the warm water flow over the infected breast. A warm compress may also be helpful. Sometimes, doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
How do cancerous lumps appear?
Cancerous (or malignant) tumors usually appear as single or multiple, hard lumps with or without skin changes, which are often painless. They commonly develop from the mammary glands or ducts. Generally, most malignant lumps appear in the outer, upper quadrant of the breast, which extend into the armpit, where the tissue is thick. About 18% of breast cancer occur in the nipple region, 11% are found in the lower outer quadrant, and 6% occur in the lower inner quadrant. Any change in the size, shape or texture in one breast rather than both breasts indicate breast cancer.
When to seek medical attention?
The breast tissue changes throughout a woman’s life. However, knowing how the breasts normally feel, makes it easier to notice the unusual changes in the breasts.
Consult a doctor if any new breast changes are found, such as:
- A new breast lump or thickening that is different from the surrounding tissue
- A change in size, shape or contour of the breast
- Breast pain that remains even after the period
- Redness, itchiness, dimpling, scaling, inflammation, or puckering in the breast or nipple
- Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- A newly inverted nipple.
Any new lump that feels different must be evaluated by a doctor; only the doctor can determine accurately whether the lump is benign or malignant. However, there is no need to panic, as in majority of the cases, the lumps are non-cancerous are harmless!