Breast mass
ConsiderationsNormal breast tissue is present in both males and females of all ages. This tissue responds to hormonal changes and, therefore, certain lumps can come and go.
Breast lumps may appear at all ages:
Lumps in a woman are often caused by fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, and cysts.
Fibrocystic changes can occur in either or both breasts. These changes are common in women (especially during the reproductive years), and are considered a normal variation of breast tissue. Having fibrocystic breasts does not increase your risk for Breast cancer. It does, however, make it more difficult to interpret lumps that you or your doctor find on exam. Many women feel tenderness in addition to the lumps and bumps associated with fibrocystic breasts.
Fibroadenomasare noncancerous lumps that feel rubbery and are easily moveable within the breast tissue. Like fibrocystic changes, they occur most often during the reproductive years. Usually, they are not tender and, except in rare cases, do not become cancerous later. A doctor may feel fairly certain from an exam that a particular lump is a fibroadenoma. The only way to be sure, however, is to remove or biopsy it.
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that often feel like soft grapes. These can sometimes be tender, especially just before your menstrual period. Cysts may be drained in the doctor's office. If the fluid removed is clear or greenish, and the lump disappears completely after it is drained, no further treatment is needed. If the fluid is bloody, it is sent to the lab to look for cancer cells. If the lump doesn't disappear, or recurs, it is usually removed surgically.
Other causes of breast lumps include:
For fibrocystic changes, Birth Control pills are often helpful. Other women are helped by:
Call your doctor if:
Also call if:
Your doctor will get a complete history from you, with special attention to factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. The health care provider will perform a thorough breast examination. If you don't know how to perform breast self-examination, ask your health care provider to teach you the proper method.
Medical history questions regarding breast lumps include:
Tests that may be performed include:
Treatment of a breast lump depends on the cause. Solid breast lumps are often removed surgically. Cysts can be drained. Breast infections require antibiotics. If breast cancer is diagnosed, most women receive surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Discuss these options carefully and thoroughly with your doctor.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may also suggest testing for genes that make you more likely to get breast cancer.
PreventionBreast cancer screening is an important way to find breast cancer early, when it is most easily treated and cured.
Having fibrocystic breast tissue, mastitis, or breast tenderness related to PMS does NOT put you at greater risk for breast cancer. Having fibrocystic breasts does, however, make your self-exam more confusing, because there are many normal lumps and bumps.
To prevent breast cancer:
Saslow D, Boetes C, Burke W, et al. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast screening with MRI as an adjunct to mammography. CA Cancer J Clin. 2007;57(2):75-89.
Marchant DJ. Benign breast disease. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2002;29(1):1-20.
Klein S. Evaluation of palpable breast masses. Am Fam Physician. 2005;71(9):1731-1738.
Breast lumps in both men and women raise concern for breast cancer, even though most lumps are not cancer.
Alternative NamesBreast mass
ConsiderationsBoth males and females of all ages have normal breast tissue. This tissue responds to hormone changes. Because of this, lumps can come and go.
Breast lumps may appear at any age:
Lumps in a woman are often caused by fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, and cysts.
Fibrocystic changes are painful, lumpy breasts. Fibrocystic breast changes do not increase your risk of breast cancer. Symptoms are usually worse right before your menstrual period, and then improve after your period starts.
Fibroadenomasare noncancerous lumps that feel rubbery. They move easily inside the breast tissue. Like fibrocystic changes, they occur most often during the reproductive years. Usually, they are not tender. Except in rare cases, they do not become cancerous later. A doctor can feel during an exam whether a lump is a fibroadenoma. The only way to be sure, however, is to remove or biopsy the lump.
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that often feel like soft grapes. These can sometimes be tender, especially just before your menstrual period.
Other causes of breast lumps include:
See your health care provider if you have any new lumps or breast changes. Ask about your risk factors for breast cancer, and screening and prevention for breast cancer.
Call your health care provider ifCall your doctor if:
Also call if:
Your doctor will get a complete history from you, asking about factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. The health care provider will perform a thorough breast examination. If you don't know how to perform a breast self-examination, ask your health care provider to teach you the proper method.
You may be asked medical history questions such as:
Steps your health care provider may take next include:
How a breast lump is treated depends on the cause.
Warner E. Clinical practice. Breast-cancer screening. N Engl J Med. 2011;365:1025-1032.
Cuzick J, DeCensi A, Arun B, Brown PH, Castiglione M, Dunn B, et al. Preventive therapy for breast cancer: a consensus statement. Lancet Oncol. 2011;12:496-503.
Heisey RE, McCready DR. Office management of a palpable breast lump with aspiration. CMAJ. 2010;182:693-696.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/16/2011
Dan Sacks, MD, FACOG. Obstetrics & Gynecology in Private Practice, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
It is very easy to describe a lump in a breast. It's what it says, a lump in the breast. Swelling or a bump in a breast and feels very, very different from breast tissue.
If the lump on the breast is a hard one, then it is a matter of concern as it very well be a sign of breast cancer.
The suffix -ectomy in lumpectomy means removal of. In this case a lump-ectomy would be the removal of a lump. The action performed in a breast lumpectomy would be the removal of a lump from a breast.
The lump may not have to do with your breast cancer , if you have not bumped your head any where and the lump does not go away with should check the doctors immediately.
the symptoms of breast cysts is a smooth and easily moveable round or oval breast lump, with distinct edges, breast pain or tenderness, increase in breast lump size and breast tenderness just before your period,
In Most Cases Breast Cancer.
Typically you don't see a breast cancer lump, but notice it when touching, washing, or scratching your breast.
No they will not deny you a K1 visa if you have a lump on your breasts.
The number of cells in a lump in the breast can vary greatly depending on the size and type of lump. Some lumps may contain a few cells, while others can contain millions of cells. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis of any breast lump.
Yes.
Any lump in the breast at any age should be taken seriously, as it could very well be cancer.
A few breast cancer symptoms are a lump in the breast, swelling in armpit, and pain in breast.