5 Things You Need to Know About Breast Lumps

1. Symptoms of Breast Lumps Can Vary

What is a breast lump? It's a growth of tissue in the breast or a swelling in the breast. Breast lumps can occur in all ages and stages of women. It can feel like a hardening of tissue, a knot, ball or bump in the breast. Routine self-examination of the breast can better indicate when there is a lump that is not part of the normal tissue in the breast.

2. Breast Lumps Not Necessarily Cancer

Most lumps in the breast turn out to be benign or non-cancerous, yet, that does not mean anyone should dismiss a lump without getting it tested. There are several kinds of lumps in the breast that can be related to factors other than cancer. Some things that may cause a growth of tissue or hardening in your breast include trauma to the breast, a cyst, hormone changes or age-related changes.

3. There Are Various Causes of Lumps

Besides breast cancer, there are various reasons women get lumps in their breasts. Hormone changes can cause changes in the breast tissue, resulting in lumps. Many women have fibrocystic breast condition that is benign, but can be painful. It is, however, the result of normal menstrual cycles. Cysts are also common in the breasts and can be drained by a doctor. If you are breastfeeding, you can often get lumps from a clogged duct or changes in the milk supply. These are not lumps to be too concerned about, unless they last too long.

4. Know When to See a Doctor

When is a breast lump an area of concern? If the breast lump does not go away or seems to get larger or more painful, consult a doctor. If you notice a difference in your nipple appearance or experience any kind of nipple bleeding, visit your doctor. For women over the age of 40, a regular mammogram is also recommended. All women should perform regular breast self-exams to watch for changes in the breast tissue for areas of concern.

5. There Are Ways to Prevent Breast Lumps

Like all areas of health concern, breast lumps can be reduced with a healthy diet. Avoiding caffeine, chocolate and excessive fat in your diet reduces the number of breast lumps a woman may experience. Vitamins E and B complex, plus an increase in foods with fiber can also help some women avoid breast lumps. A healthy diet can also help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Early detection is the best way to increase your chances of a healthy recovery from whatever is causing the breast lump.