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Although everyone is afraid of discovering breast lumps, and the first thing that comes to mind is breast cancer, it's important to know that most breast lumps are benign.
Cysts
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs of various sizes. Usually they feel soft and may be moved under the skin. Sometimes cysts produce a dull pain in the area. Cysts appear most often in women between 30 to 55. They rarely occur in younger women or women past menopause.
Fibroadenomas
Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous tumors composed of connective tissue and other cells that have multiplied faster than normal. They usually have regular borders, feel round, move freely and feel firm. They are usually about the size of marbles or smaller. Fibroadenomas are most commonly seen in young women .
Pseudolumps
Pseudolumps are all the other masses in the breast that the doctor or health-care provider finds. They aren't an independent mass, but rather have another cause. For example, scar tissue, hardened silicone, dead fat tissue, or a rib bone pressing into breast tissue could all be the cause of a pseudolump. This kind of lump can feel quite hard and usually doesn’t change size or shape during your menstrual cycle.
Precautions
Take notice of any changes in the breasts, such as lumps, thickening, clear or bloody discharge, change in contours, dimpling of skin, redness or retracted nipples. If any of these symptoms are present, immediately consult a physician.
Diagnosis
Doctors use ultrasound to determine if a lump is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of body tissues and fluids. Doctors also use mammograms -- x-rays of the breast -- to diagnose lumps. A radiologist reads the mammogram and looks for any abnormalities. If she detects any abnormality or change in the mammogram, additional testing may be necessary. A mammogram can detect many, but not all, cases of benign breast lumps. Sometimes additional tests may be needed, such as a breast MRI.
