Any lump found in the breast may not be cancerous; research says that about 60 – 80 % of the breast lumps are non-cancerous (benign). These lumps can occur due to hormonal changes or while breastfeeding. Some common benign breast conditions, which present as lumps, are discussed below.
Breast abscess: It is a pocket of lump from an infection, which causes a sore lump and inflammation in the breast. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, and nipple draining.
Breast cyst: It is a fluid-filled sac, which appears very quickly (overnight) and is most often occur in women who are nearing menopause. Usually, the cysts enlarge and become more tender just before your period. Cysts can feel either soft or hard and may be caused by blocked breast glands.
Fibroadenomas: These are smooth, solid, painless, firm benign lumps, which feel rubbery and move around freely. Although these appear more commonly in women in their 20s and 30s, they can occur at any age. Their incidence is increasing in postmenopausal women who are taking hormone therapy.
Fat necrosis: In this condition, round, painless, firm lumps occur due to damaged and disintegrating fatty tissues formed in the breast tissue. These lumps often occur in women who have had a bruise or blow to the breast or have very large breasts. However, these lumps are not cancerous and do not increase the risk of cancer.
Galactocele: They are fluid-filled masses usually caused by a blocked milk duct.
Sclerosing adenosis: It is the excess growth of tissues in the breast’s lobules, which can cause breast pain. Usually, a biopsy is required to rule out cancer, and may be removed through surgical biopsy.
Although the lumps may not be cancerous, they should be checked by a doctor to eliminate the risk of breast cancer.