Breast Lumps: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of a breast lump?

The symptoms of a breast lump can vary depending on the underlying cause. In many cases, breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), but it’s important to have any new or unusual breast lump evaluated by a healthcare provider. Some common symptoms of a breast lump may include:

1. Presence of a lump: The most common symptom of a breast lump is the presence of a noticeable mass or lump in the breast or armpit area.
2. Change in breast size or shape: A breast lump may cause a change in the size or shape of the breast.
3. Pain or tenderness: Some breast lumps may be painful or tender to the touch, while others may not cause any pain.
4. Changes in the skin: The skin overlying the breast lump may appear red, dimpled, or inflamed. In some cases, the skin may be retracted or pulled inward.
5. Nipple changes: A breast lump may be associated with changes in the nipple, such as inversion (turning inward), discharge, or changes in appearance.
6. Swelling or thickening: The area around the breast lump may feel swollen or thicker than the surrounding tissue.
7. Nipple discharge: A lump in the breast that is associated with nipple discharge, especially if the discharge is bloody or clear, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

It’s important to note that not all breast lumps are cancerous, and many breast lumps are benign. However, any new or unusual breast lump should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

What are the causes of a breast lump?

Breast lumps can have various causes, and not all breast lumps are cancerous. Some common causes of breast lumps include:

1. Fibrocystic changes: Fibrocystic changes in the breast are common and can cause lumps or areas of thickening in the breast tissue. These changes are benign and are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
2. Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs called cysts can develop in the breast tissue, causing a lump that may be tender or painful. Cysts are common and are usually benign.
3. Fibroadenomas: Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumors made up of glandular and connective tissue. They are usually smooth, firm, and movable, and they do not increase the risk of breast cancer.
4. Injury or trauma: An injury or trauma to the breast, such as a bruise or contusion, can cause a lump to form.
5. Infection: Infections of the breast tissue, such as mastitis or abscesses, can cause lumps, swelling, redness, and pain.
6. Breast cancer: While less common, breast cancer can cause a lump or mass in the breast. It’s important to note that most breast lumps are not cancerous, but any new or unusual breast lump should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out breast cancer.
7. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, can cause changes in breast tissue that may result in lumps or areas of thickening.
8. Medications: Some medications, such as hormone replacement therapy or certain birth control pills, can cause changes in breast tissue that may result in lumps or areas of thickening.

It’s important to have any new or unusual breast lump evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

What is the treatment for a breast lump?

The treatment for a breast lump depends on the underlying cause of the lump. Some common treatment options for breast lumps include:

1. Monitoring: In many cases, especially if the lump is determined to be benign (non-cancerous), a healthcare provider may recommend monitoring the lump over time to see if it changes in size or shape.
2. Medication: If the lump is painful or associated with inflammation, your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications.
3. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA): In this procedure, a thin needle is used to remove a small sample of cells from the lump for examination under a microscope. FNA can help determine if the lump is a cyst (fluid-filled sac) or a solid mass.
4. Ultrasound or mammogram: Imaging tests such as ultrasound or mammogram may be used to further evaluate the lump and determine its characteristics.
5. Biopsy: If imaging tests or FNA are inconclusive, a biopsy may be recommended to remove a sample of tissue from the lump for further examination under a microscope. This can help determine if the lump is benign or cancerous.
6. Surgical removal: In some cases, especially if the lump is large, growing, or causing symptoms, surgical removal may be recommended. This is often done through a procedure called lumpectomy, where the lump is removed along with a small margin of surrounding tissue.
7. Treatment for underlying conditions: If the lump is caused by an underlying condition such as an infection or hormonal imbalance, treatment for that condition may be recommended.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for monitoring and treatment of a breast lump. If you notice any changes in your breast, such as a new lump, thickening, or changes in the skin or nipple, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly for evaluation.