The breasts undergo regulated cycles of growth and development before birth, during puberty and throughout pregnancy, which are controlled in part by circulating hormone levels within the body. The breasts contain milk-producing lobules, which are connected to the nipple by a series of ducts and which are surrounded by fat, lymph nodes, blood vessels and connective tissue. Lumps within the breast can arise due to natural hormone fluctuation during menstruation, or they can be a symptom of a harmful underlying disorder. There are a number of underlying causes of lumps within the breast that vary in their severity.
Pseudolumps
Pseudolumps are non-cancerous lumps within the breast. Normally, the breast feels more lumpy during the first half of the menstrual cycle, as estrogen signals for the growth of the lobules in preparation for pregnancy. Pseudolumps occur when this growth becomes exaggerated, leading to excessive lumpiness of the breast.
According to the "New Harvard Guide to Women's Health," pseudolumps may also be referred to as "fibrocystic changes," and they can also be caused by scar tissue or injury. Women with pseudolumps should be tested to ensure the lump does not have a harmful underlying cause.
Breast Infection
Breast infection, also called mastitis, can lead to the growth of a lump within the breast. Often, an infection will cause swelling as the immune cells of the body invade the infection site to help fight off the infectious agent. This leads to a lump in the breast and puts pressure on the lobules and ducts, which can cause pain. The breast may be especially warm to the touch, tender and may appear inflamed.
According to Medline Plus, a common cause of breast infection is Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria normally found on the skin. It can enter the breast through cracked skin and cause infections within the fatty tissue of the breast. Mastitis is generally treated by a course of antibiotics.
Breast Cancer
A severe underlying cause of a breast lump is breast cancer. Cancer occurs when a few cells of the breast become mutated and begin to divide uncontrollably. The cancer cells form a tumor that kills and invades surrounding tissue, which can lead to lumps within the breast. Cancer can originate in the ducts, lobules or in the nipple, and a rare form of cancer can resemble a breast infection.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, some common symptoms of breast cancer are breast pain, swelling, lumpiness, changes in consistency of the skin over the breast, nipple discharge or scaly skin on the nipple. Many forms of breast cancer are treatable, especially if they are diagnosed early. If you find a lump in your breast, seek medical attention and discuss your concerns with your doctor.
