Breast lump

Breast lump
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 N63
ICD-9 611.72
DiseasesDB 15880
MedlinePlus 003155
eMedicine article/781116

Breast lumps are localized swellings that feel different from the surrounding breast tissue. It is a symptom/sign for a variety of conditions. As approximately 10% of breast lumps ultimately lead to a diagnosis of breast cancer,[1] it is important for women with a breast lump to receive appropriate evaluation.

Types of Breast Lumps

Findings in women seeking evaluation of apparent breast lump [2]
Fibrocystic breast changes 40%
No disease 30%
Fibroadenoma 7%
Other benign mammary dysplasias and neoplasms 13%
Breast cancer 10%

Cysts and Abscess Lumps

A breast cyst is a non-cancerous, fluid-filled sac in the breast. They generally feel smooth or rubbery under the skin and can be quite painful or cause no pain at all. Cysts are caused by the hormones that control the menstrual cycle and are rare in women older than 50.[3]

A sebaceous cyst is a non-cancerous, closed sac or cyst below the skin that is caused by plugged ducts at the site of a hair follicle. Hormone stimulation or injury may cause them to enlarge but if no symptoms are present, medical treatment is not required.[3]

Breast abscesses are non-cancerous pockets of infection within the breast. They can be quite painful and cause the skin over the breast to turn red or feel hot or solid. Abscesses of the breast are most common in women who are breast-feeding.[3]

Growths

Adenomas are non-cancerous abnormal growths of the glandular tissue in the breast. The most common form of these growths, fibroadenomas, occur most frequently in women between the ages of 15 and 30 and in women of African descent. They usually feel round and firm and have smooth borders. Adenomas are not related to breast cancer.[3]

Intraductal papillomas are wart-like growths in the ducts of the breast. These lumps are usually felt just under the nipple and can cause a bloody discharge from the nipple. Women close to menopause may have only one growth, while younger women are more likely to have multiple growths in one or both breasts.[3]

Breast cancer usually feels like a hard or firm lump that is generally irregular in shape and may feel like it is attached to skin or tissue deep inside the breast. Breast cancer is rarely painful and can occur anywhere in the breast or nipple.[3]

Fatty Lumps

Fat necrosis is a condition in which the normal fat cells of the breast become round lumps. Symptoms can include pain, firmness, redness, and/or bruising. Fat necrosis usually goes away without treatment but can form permanent scar tissue that may show up as an abnormality on a mammogram.[3]

A lipoma is a non-cancerous lump of fatty tissue that is soft to the touch, usually movable, and is generally painless.[3]

Other causes of swelling

Breast hematomas and seromas may be visible as a local swelling of the breast. Seromas are a common complication of breast surgery. Hematomas can also occur after breast surgery or breast injury or, more rarely, they can occur spontaneously in patients with coagulopathy.

Diagnosis

Breast lumps are often discovered during a breast self-examination or during a routine check-up. Upon noticing an unusual lump in the breast the best course of action is to schedule an examination with a physician who can best diagnose the type of breast lump and strategy for treatment.

Patients should make sure that the medical records of any breast-related illnesses are retained,[4] as this facilitates diagnosis in case of recurrence or follow-up.

Treatment

Treatments for breast lumps vary depending on the type of lump. Standard breast cysts and abscesses require drainage for treatment, while sebaceous cysts and fatty lumps are best treated by surgical removal.[3]

Fibroadenoma Treatment

Several treatment options currently exist for fibroadenomas: "wait and watch," open surgery and minimally-invasive surgical alternatives.

References

  1. Haas, J. S.; Kaplan, C. P.; Brawarsky, P; Kerlikowske, K (2005). "Evaluation and Outcomes of Women with a Breast Lump and a Normal Mammogram Result". Journal of General Internal Medicine 20 (8): 692–696. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1497.2005.0149.x. PMC 1490178. PMID 16050876.
  2. Page 739 in: Mitchell, Richard Sheppard; Kumar, Vinay; Abbas, Abul K.; Fausto, Nelson. Robbins Basic Pathology. Philadelphia: Saunders. ISBN 1-4160-2973-7. 8th edition.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 WebMD: Breast Lump Overview
  4. Amarjeet Singh; Indarjit Walia; Lakhbir Dhaliwal (2010). Demedicalizing Women's Health. Gyan Publishing House. p. 88. ISBN 978-81-212-1034-8.

External links