Breast Lump: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A breast lump can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Breast lumps range in size, shape, texture, location, and size, as well as their size, shape, and texture.
Causes of Breast Lump
There are many possible causes of breast lumps, such as:
-
Breast changes caused by fibroids: These are hormonal changes that make the breast tissue lumpy and tender, especially before the menstrual period. They are common and usually harmless.
-
This benign tumor consists of fibrous and glandular tissue and moves easily under the skin. It is more common in young women and may grow or shrink with hormonal fluctuations.
-
The breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the breast tissue. It is round, soft, and smooth, and is more common in women between the ages of 35 and 50.
-
Breast intraductal papilloma: This is a benign growth that occurs in the milk ducts. It can cause nipple discharge or bleeding, and is more common in women nearing menopause.
-
It is often associated with breastfeeding, but can also occur in non-breastfeeding women due to bacteria entering the breast through a cracked nipple or skin wound.
-
Breast cancer: This is a malignant tumor that develops from the cells of the breast. It can be invasive (extending to other tissues) or non-invasive (confined to the ducts or lobules of the breast). There are a number of symptoms associated with it, including a hard, irregular, or fixed lump, nipple changes, skin dimpling, or bloody discharge. The most common symptom is in women over 50, but it can also affect men and younger women.
Symptoms of Breast Lump
Some breast lumps may not cause any symptoms and may be detected during a routine breast exam or screening. However, some breast lumps may cause one or more of the following symptoms:
-
A palpable mass or swelling in the breast or underarm area
-
Pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the breast or nipple
-
Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast or nipple
-
Nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody, clear, or green
-
Skin changes, such as redness, rash, scaling, or puckering
-
Inflammation, warmth, or fever in the breast
Diagnosis of Breast Lump
If you find a breast lump or notice any changes in your breast, you should see your doctor as soon as possible for further evaluation. You will be asked about your medical history, family history, menstrual cycle, medications you are taking, as well as a physical exam of your breast and lymph nodes. Your doctor may order one or more of the following tests to determine what caused your breast lump based on your age, risk factors, and symptoms:
-
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can show the size, shape, and location of the lump, as well as any calcifications or other abnormalities in the breast. Depending on the risk level, women older than 40 should have a mammogram every year or every two years.
-
In ultrasound, sound waves are used to create images of breast tissue. It can determine if the breast lump is solid, fluid-filled, or suspicious. Especially for women with dense breasts or young women with fibrocystic breast changes, it is often used as a complementary test to mammograms.
-
Breast biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue from the lump and examining it under a microscope to determine whether it is breast cancer or not. Depending on the size and location of the breast lump, there are different types of biopsy, such as fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy.
-
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed images of breast tissue, and can help detect breast cancer or other abnormalities that may not be visible on mammograms or ultrasounds. It is usually reserved for women who are at high risk of breast cancer, such as those with a genetic mutation, a strong family history, or a previous history of breast cancer.
Treatment of Breast Lump
The treatment of breast lump depends on the cause, type, and stage of the lump, as well as the patient’s age, health, and preferences. Some of the possible treatments are:
-
Those with benign breast lumps that don't cause symptoms or complications, such as fibrocystic breast changes, fibroadenomas, or breast cysts, can opt for watchful waiting. During follow-up exams with the doctor, the patient is advised to monitor the lump for changes.
-
The patient may be prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or hormonal therapy to treat lumps caused by hormonal imbalance, infection, or inflammation, such as mastitis or intraductal papilloma.
-
In cases of malignant, large, painful, or cosmetically undesirable breast lumps, such as breast cancer, large fibroadenoma, or complex cysts, surgery is an option. Depending on the situation, the patient may undergo a lumpectomy (removal of the lump and some surrounding tissue), a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast), or a breast reconstruction (reconstruction of the breast shape with implants or natural tissue).
-
In radiation therapy, high-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. A radioactive source placed inside the breast can deliver it externally (with a machine) or internally (with a radioactive source placed inside the breast) as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms after surgery. It can also be used as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms.
-
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing. It can be given before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to prevent recurrence or metastasis.
-
A hormone therapy is a treatment that blocks or lowers the production of hormones that stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells. It can be given before or after surgery, or as a long-term treatment to prevent recurrence or metastasis. It is available as pills, injections, or implants.
-
In targeted therapy, specific molecules or genes are targeted that aid breast cancer cell growth or survival. In addition to chemotherapy and hormone therapy, it can be administered intravenously or orally. It can be given alone or in combination with other treatments.
Prevention of Breast Lump
There is no sure way to prevent breast lumps, but there are some steps that may reduce the risk or improve the outcome, such as:
-
It is recommended that women aged 20 and older conduct a breast self-exam every month, preferably a few days after their menstrual period, to check for any changes or abnormalities in their breasts. You should inform your doctor of any lumps, pain, discharge, or skin changes you notice.
-
An examination of your breasts by a health care professional, such as a doctor or nurse, is called a clinical breast exam. Women aged 20 to 39 should have a clinical breast exam every one to three years, while women aged 40 and older should have one every year, along with a mammogram.
-
In a screening mammogram, your breasts are X-rayed to detect lumps or abnormalities that may not be obvious to the naked eye. Depending on their risk level, it is recommended that women over 40 have a screening mammogram every two years or every year. You may need to start screening sooner or more frequently if you have a family history of breast cancer or a genetic mutation.
-
A healthy lifestyle involves a balanced diet, regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, and no smoking. These habits may reduce the risk of breast cancer and other diseases, as well as improve overall health.
