Definition
A breast lump is a swelling, protuberance, or lump in the breast.
Causes
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.
Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous lumps that feel rubbery and are easily moveable within the breast tissue. Like fibrocystic changes, ...
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Definition
A breast lump is a swelling, protuberance, or lump in the breast.
Causes
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.
Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous 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 ...
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Considerations
Normal 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:
- Infants may have breast lumps related to estrogen from the mother. The lump generally goes away on its own as the estrogen clears from the baby's body. It can happen to boys and girls.
- Young girls often develop "breast buds" that appear just before the beginning of puberty. These bumps may be tender. They are common around age 9, but may happen as early as age 6.
- Teenage boys may develop breast enlargement and lumps because of hormonal changes in mid-puberty. Although this may distress the teen, the lumps or ...
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Home Care
For fibrocystic changes, birth control pills are often helpful. Other women are helped by:
- Avoiding caffeine and chocolate
- Limiting fat and increasing fiber in the diet
- Taking vitamin E, vitamin B complex, or evening primrose oil supplements
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Prevention
Breast cancer screening is an important way to find breast cancer early, when it is most easily treated and cured.
- Get regular mammograms.
- If you are over age 20, consider doing a monthly breast self-exam (See: Breast self exam )
- If you are over age 20, have a complete breast exam by your provider at least every 3 years -- every year if you are over 40.
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:
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References
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 Mar-Apr;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.
