Each breast contains branching glandular tissue composed of lobules and ducts, which produce breast milk and carry the milk to the nipple. Fat cells, connective tissue, blood vessels and lymph nodes surround the glandular tissue, providing support to the structure of the breast. Breast nodules, or breast lumps, develop from abnormal growth of breast tissues. There are a number of breast nodules, which differ in their characteristics and severity.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Ductal carcinoma in situ, also called DCIS, is a type of breast nodule that occurs when duct cells begin to over-proliferate, leading to the formation of tumors within the duct. DCIS is sometimes considered a precancerous tumor because the tumor cells have not yet developed the ability to invade into neighboring tissues. Other times, DCIS cells are cancerous but have not yet invaded other parts of the breast, reports OncoLink. Patients with DCIS may notice a relatively painless lump in the breast that feels firm to the touch and which can be detected on a mammogram. The treatment for DCIS depends on the severity of the tumor growth, but may include surgery to remove the tumor, or radiation therapy.
Complex Cysts
Another type of breast lump is a complex cyst. Cysts in the breast are fluid-filled lumps that commonly develop as a result of hormonal changes in the body. The University of Connecticut Health Center indicates that cyst formation occurs especially as a result of exposure to excess estrogen. Cysts typically feel hard, since dense scar tissue may form around the cyst. Complex cysts have poorly defined edges and appear fuzzy in mammograms, and they may contain additional cysts inside the main cyst. Complex cysts are commonly treated with aspiration to remove the fluid inside the lump; they require a follow-up examination to make sure the cyst has not recurred.
Phyllodes Tumor
Phyllodes tumors are breast nodules that resemble the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The lumps typically feel firm to the touch and can be detected in a breast self-examination, a clinical physical examination or by a mammogram. The University of Rochester explains that phyllodes tumors may be benign or cancerous, and they require a biopsy analysis to definitely diagnose the severity of the tumor. Once this type of tumor is diagnosed, patients with phyllodes tumors may undergo surgery to remove the lump, and rarely will be given radiation therapy after surgery. In advanced cases, a women with a phyllodes tumor may require breast-removal surgery to effectively remove the tumor cells.
