Understanding Breast Lumps: When to Be Concerned
Discovering a breast lump can be a worrisome experience, but it’s important to remember that not all lumps are harmful. In fact, many are benign and pose no significant health risk. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms that warrant a doctor’s visit. Understanding the nature of breast lumps, recognizing when they might signal a problem, and knowing when to seek medical advice are key to maintaining your peace of mind and overall breast health.
Here, we give you an insight into into what a breast lump is and when you should be concerned so that you can take charge of your breast health at the right time.
What is a Breast Lump?
A breast lump is a localized swelling, bump, or bulge on the breast that feels distinct from the surrounding breast tissue or the same area on the opposite breast. There are various reasons why breast lumps may develop.
If you observe any changes in your breasts, contact your doctor immediately for an evaluation, but try not to worry. Most breast lumps are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous. Benign lumps typically have smooth edges and can shift slightly when pressed. They are often present in both breasts.
Common causes of benign breast lumps include normal breast tissue changes, breast cysts or adenomas, injuries, and, less frequently, breast infections.
What does a Breast Lump feel like?
A breast lump can range in texture, feeling either as hard as a rock or as soft as a grape or pea. These lumps can appear within the breast tissue or near the armpit.
They might feel different from the rest of your breast tissue and may have different characteristics, such as:
- Bumpy or smooth
- Soft or squishy
- Hard or firm
- Moveable (can be pushed around)
- Round or irregularly shaped
Additionally, the lumps may feel painful or tender to touch, which isn’t necessarily a sign of a serious issue. This pain can fluctuate with your menstrual cycle.
During a breast self-exam (BSE), you might notice such lumps or changes in the texture and appearance of your breasts. However, only 3% to 6% of these changes are attributed to breast cancer. While it’s generally not a cause for alarm, it is still advisable to take up a thorough check-up and undergo apt breast lumps treatment by a qualified professional.
How many types of breast lumps exist?
Cysts
A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac, often occurring in women approaching menopause. These cysts may enlarge and become more tender right before your period and can form very quickly. Typically noncancerous, cysts may result from blocked breast glands and can feel either soft or hard.
Abscess
A breast abscess is a pus-filled pocket caused by an infection, resulting in a sore lump, inflammation, fever, fatigue, and nipple discharge. Medical examination and draining of the pus may be necessary.
Fat Necrosis
Fat necrosis causes round, hard lumps in the breast that are generally painless. They result from damaged and disintegrating fatty tissues and often occur in women with larger breasts, following trauma or after radiation treatment for breast cancer. These lumps are not cancerous and do not increase cancer risk.
Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumours. They can be very small and undetectable by touch, or they can be felt. Typically well-defined, movable, and not tender, their exact cause is unknown but is believed to be hormone-related.
Galactocele
A galactocele, also known as a milk retention cyst, is a fluid-filled lump caused by a blocked milk duct. These are usually found in women who are currently or have recently stopped breastfeeding.
Hematoma
A hematoma is a collection of partially clotted or clotted blood outside a blood vessel, usually caused by trauma or injury. These lumps may appear a week to 10 days after surgery, feel swollen, and may have fluid inside that you can feel moving around.
What are Benign Lumps?
Benign breast lumps are typically non-cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. Fortunately, most breast lumps fall into this category. Common causes include cysts and fibroadenomas. Benign breast lumps usually have well-defined edges, making them easier to distinguish from surrounding tissue. They are often movable and may change in size according to the menstrual cycle.
What are Malignant Breast Lumps?
Malignant breast lumps are cancerous and have the potential to spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, and organs. They may grow faster than benign lumps due to the rapid division of cancer cells.
Common warning signs of malignant lumps include:
- Irregular or jagged edges
- Fixed to surrounding structures and not easily movable
- Hard and/or painless lump
While malignant lumps often exhibit these characteristics, they can also appear soft, round, or tender. A doctor can determine the nature of a breast lump through a physical exam, imaging tests, and, if necessary, a biopsy.
If a lump is found to be cancerous, our doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your diagnosis. You may have to opt for breast cancer surgeries, including lumpectomy and mastectomy, to remove the cancer. Our highly skilled surgeons are experienced in advanced techniques such as the hidden scar approach and nipple-sparing mastectomy.
What Does a Cancerous Breast Lump Feel Like - When to Worry?
Breast cancer is a malignancy composed of abnormal breast tissue cells. A cancerous lump may feel irregular in shape and as hard as a pebble or rock. Typically, these lumps are not painful, although a small percentage of individuals may experience discomfort.
Where are breast cancer lumps often found?
Cancerous lumps can appear anywhere in the breast but are most commonly located in the upper outer section. They can be near the surface, deeper within the breast, or even in the armpit area where more breast tissue is present.
A breast cancer lump usually remains fixed in one spot and does not move during a self-exam. Any new lump should be evaluated by our cancer specialist.
Do cancerous lumps move?
Cancerous lumps can appear anywhere in the breast but are most commonly located in the upper outer section. They can be near the surface, deeper within the breast, or even in the armpit area where more breast tissue is present.
A breast cancer lump usually remains fixed in one spot and does not move during a self-exam. Any new lump should be evaluated by our cancer specialist.
Breast Cyst Treatment
Our doctor should evaluate any unexplained breast lumps, though not all will require immediate treatment.
For a cyst or fibrous lump, the doctor may suggest monitoring without further action.
If an abscess is present, the doctor may drain it with a fine needle and prescribe antibiotics.
If cancer is detected, treatment typically includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal drug treatment.
Additionally, our doctor may recommend testing for changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. If such a genetic change is found and breast cancer is present, preventive surgery might be advised to prevent recurrence. Family members may also consider additional screening.
Are you suspecting a cyst or a lump in your breast?
Seek the right diagnosis and breast cyst treatment with Dr Rajeev Kaushal
If you suspect a cyst or lump in your breast, it’s crucial to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment. Our highly experienced oncologist and cancer specialist, Dr Rajeev Kaushal, offers expert care and guidance, ensuring you receive the appropriate breast cyst treatment and peace of mind.
Don’t hesitate to consult with Dr Rajeev for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
FAQs
After you discover a lump in your breast, consider doing the following while waiting for your appointment:
- Record the location, texture, and any pain associated with the lump.
- Note your position in your menstrual cycle if you are premenopausal.
- Observe any factors that improve or worsen the lump.
- Discuss your family’s history of breast cancer and other cancers with relatives.
- Recall the date of your last mammogram.
- Having this information ready can help provide a thorough medical history.
Based on their findings, they may request tests to help rule out potential causes or confirm a diagnosis.
These tests might include:
- Mammogram
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- Fine-needle aspiration