Summary about Disease
A breast lump is any abnormal growth, swelling, or mass found in the breast. It can range in size and texture and may or may not be painful. While many breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), any new or changing lump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out breast cancer. Common causes include fibrocystic changes, cysts, fibroadenomas, and, less commonly, cancer.
Symptoms
A distinct lump or thickening in the breast
Pain or tenderness in the breast
Nipple discharge (clear, milky, bloody, or yellow-green)
Changes in breast size or shape
Inverted nipple
Skin changes, such as redness, dimpling, or puckering
Swollen lymph nodes under the arm
Causes
Fibrocystic changes: Hormonal fluctuations can cause breast tissue to become lumpy, dense, and tender.
Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs within the breast tissue.
Fibroadenomas: Solid, non-cancerous breast tumors that are most common in young women.
Infections: Abscesses can form painful lumps.
Trauma: Injury to the breast can sometimes cause a lump.
Breast cancer: Malignant tumors that can present as lumps.
Other: Lipomas (fatty lumps), intraductal papillomas (small growths in milk ducts).
Medicine Used
The medicine used depends on the cause of the breast lump. Some examples are:
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage breast pain associated with fibrocystic changes.
Hormonal therapy: Birth control pills can regulate hormone levels and reduce fibrocystic symptoms.
Antibiotics: If the lump is due to an infection.
Surgical excision: If the lump is a Fibroadenoma.
Cancer treatments: Treatments depend on the type and stage of cancer, and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy).
Is Communicable
No, breast lumps are not communicable. They cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Regular self-exams: Perform monthly breast self-exams to become familiar with the normal feel of your breasts.
Clinical breast exams: Have regular breast exams by a healthcare professional.
Mammograms: Follow recommended screening guidelines for mammograms based on your age and risk factors.
Report changes: Promptly report any new or changing breast lumps or other breast changes to your doctor.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and limit alcohol consumption.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a breast lump depends on its cause:
Fibrocystic changes: Symptoms may fluctuate with the menstrual cycle.
Cysts: May resolve on their own or require drainage.
Fibroadenomas: May remain stable or grow slowly over time.
Infections: Resolved with antibiotic treatment.
Cancerous lumps: Persist and grow unless treated.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical exam: A doctor will examine the breasts and lymph nodes.
Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast tissue.
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the breast.
MRI: Uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast.
Biopsy: A sample of breast tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. There are several types of biopsies, including fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly.
Some lumps may appear suddenly and be painful (e.g., cysts, infections).
Others may develop gradually and be painless (e.g., fibroadenomas, some cancerous lumps).
Some may fluctuate with the menstrual cycle (fibrocystic changes).
Changes in size, shape, or other characteristics of a lump over time are important to note and discuss with a doctor.
Important Considerations
Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it is essential to get any new or changing lump checked by a doctor.
Risk factors for breast cancer include age, family history, genetics, and certain lifestyle factors.
Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Breast pain can be a symptom of a breast lump, but it can also occur independently.
Self-exams are an important part of breast health awareness, but they should not replace regular clinical exams and mammograms.