The breasts are made up of extensive glandular tissue that facilitates lactation after pregnancy. The glandular tissue contains lobules--bulb-like structures made up of cells that secrete milk; as well as ducts--that carry milk from the lobules into the nipple and out of the body. Breast lumps may develop as a result of normal or abnormal breast growth, and can indicate the presence of a number of underlying disorders.
Normal Breast Growth
In some cases, the breasts may feel lumpy to the touch due to normal breast growth. During the menstrual cycle, circulating estrogen and progesterone levels in the blood signal to the glandular tissue of the breast. The breasts respond to these hormones by undergoing cycles of proliferation and maturation in preparation for a possible pregnancy, then undergo a period of involution, or cell death, if no pregnancy occurs. In some women, these cycles of growth become exaggerated and the breast become lumpy and painful, a condition called fibrocystic breasts. This condition is not harmful and doesn't indicate the presence of breast cancer. Imaginis recommends relieving the pain associated with fibrocystic breasts by wearing a supportive bra, taking over-the-counter pain medication and cutting back on caffeine.
Breast Tumors
In some cases, breast lumps may develop as a result of breast tumors. If the normal cycle of breast growth and development becomes disrupted due to genetic mutations in some breast cells, affected cells may begin to proliferate rapidly and form a tumor. Breast tumors may be localized and benign, or develop into invasive and cancerous tumors. To facilitate early detection of breast tumors, women should perform a monthly breast self-examination to feel any changes in the breast tissue and detect any abnormal growths, and seek medical attention upon feeling any change in their breasts. Most breast tumors are very treatable and may be removed with surgery or treated with radiation or drug therapy.
Cysts
Cysts--fluid filled sacs in the breast--may also cause breast lumps. MayoClinic.com indicates that cysts may occur alone or in clusters within one or both breasts. They often form a round or oval lump that feels soft to the touch, though some cysts may feel firm. The lump commonly feels sore or tender to the touch, and may be movable within the breast. Following detection, a doctor can treat the cyst with a fine needle aspiration, using a very fine needle to pierce the cyst and drain the fluid from inside the lump. In some cases, cysts can recur and may require multiple drainages, or they may require additional treatment if the cyst begins to show cancer-like symptoms.
