The breasts contain a number of specialized cell types. Each breast contains a number of lobules which produce and secrete milk, which are connected to the nipple by a series of ducts. The lobules and ducts are surround by fat cells and connective tissue, as well as lymph nodes. There are a number of diseases of the breast, which range in severity, and which can involve one or more parts of the breast.
Fibrocystic Breasts
Normal breasts can have a somewhat lumpy texture, due to the arrangement and internal structure of the breast. During the menstrual cycle, hormones within the body fluctuate, which affect the lumpiness and feel of the breasts. Women suffering from a condition called fibrocystic breasts, however, experience a much larger fluctuation in the feel of their breasts over the course of the menstrual cycle.
According to Brown University, fibrocystic breasts occur when the tissue supporting the milk ducts thickens and swells, forming small fluid-filled cysts. These are often tender and can feel movable within the breast. Brown University estimates that as many as 90% of women experience some form of this condition throughout their lives, though many cases may not have noticeable symptoms. You can treat the pain with over-the-counter pain medication, by applying warm compresses to the breasts, and by wearing a supportive bra.
Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma is a noncancerous tumor that can affect one or both breasts. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, fibroadenomas are the most common breast tumor in young women under 30, and they affect African-American women more often than white women.
The University of Maryland Medical Center describes fibroadenoma as firm and rubbery movable lumps within the breast. The condition is diagnosed following ultrasound, mammogram or biopsy testing, and treatment involves either surgically removing the lump, or destroying the lump by freezing it, without surgery. Fibroadenoma patients should monitor their breast health with regular mammograms, since they have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer in the future, compared with other women.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer involves uncontrolled proliferation and division of cells within the breast, followed by metastasis and development of secondary tumors around the body. Breast cancer can originate from a number of cells within the breast, including the lobules, ducts, or nipple cells. The severity of breast cancer depends on the cell types involved, the aggressiveness of the tumor, and the stage of cancer development of the tumor.
According to the Stanford Medicine website, breast cancer is usually diagnosed by mammograms and biopsy testing. The treatment for breast cancer depends on the type of cancer, but can involve chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, hormone therapy, and surgery. Women with a family history of breast cancer should get regular mammograms and testing to monitor the health of their breasts.
