Breast lump

Breast Lump

A breast lump is a localized swelling or mass in the breast that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). While most lumps are harmless, they should always be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions like breast cancer.

Causes of Breast Lump

Benign Causes (Non-Cancerous Lumps)

• Fibroadenomas – Smooth, firm, and movable lumps common in young women.
• Cysts – Fluid-filled sacs that may fluctuate in size, often tender before menstruation.
• Fibrocystic Breast Changes – Lumpy or rope-like breast tissue due to hormonal fluctuations.
• Infections (Mastitis or Abscesses) – Painful, red, and swollen lumps, often seen in breastfeeding women.
• Lipomas – Soft, slow-growing fatty lumps under the skin.

Malignant Causes (Cancerous Lumps)

• Breast Cancer – Hard, irregular, and painless lumps that may grow over time.
• Paget’s Disease of the Breast – Rare cancer that affects the nipple area, causing crusting and itching.

Symptoms of Breast Lump

• A noticeable mass that may feel firm, soft, or rubbery.
• Pain or tenderness in some cases (not all lumps cause pain).
• Changes in breast size or shape over time.
• Nipple discharge (clear, bloody, or milky fluid).
• Skin changes like redness, dimpling, or an “orange peel” appearance.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit (if cancer is present).

Diagnosis of Breast Lump

• Physical Examination – A doctor checks the lump’s size, shape, and texture.
• Mammogram (X-ray of the breast) – Detects abnormalities, especially in older women.
• Ultrasound – Helps distinguish between solid lumps (tumors) and fluid-filled cysts.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy – Extracts fluid or cells for testing.
• Core Needle Biopsy – Removes a small tissue sample for a detailed examination.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Used for further evaluation in complex cases.

Treatment for Breast Lump

Benign Lumps (Non-Cancerous Treatment)

• No treatment needed if the lump is harmless and doesn’t cause symptoms.
• Aspiration or drainage for painful cysts.
• Surgical removal for large or bothersome fibroadenomas.
• Antibiotics for infection-related lumps like mastitis or abscesses.

Cancerous Lumps (Breast Cancer Treatment)

• Lumpectomy – Removing the lump while preserving the breast.
• Mastectomy – Complete removal of the affected breast in severe cases.
• Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy – To destroy cancer cells.
• Hormonal Therapy – Used for hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
• Targeted Therapy – Advanced treatments based on cancer type.

Prevention of Breast Lump

• Regular self-breast exams to detect changes early.
• Mammograms after age 40 (earlier if high risk).
• Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet.
• Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking.
• Breastfeeding (if possible), as it lowers cancer risk.