Breast Lump

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Breast Lump: Common Causes

Lumps in a woman are often caused by fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, and cysts.

Fibrocystic changes can occur in either or both breasts. These changes occur in many women (especially during the reproductive years) and are considered a normal variation of breast tissue. Having fibrocystic breasts does not increase your risk for breast cancer. It does, however, make it more difficult to interpret lumps that you or your doctor find on exam. Many women feel tenderness in addition to the lumps and bumps associated with fibrocystic breasts.

Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous lumps that feel rubbery and are easily moveable within the breast tissue. Like fibrocystic changes, they occur most often during the reproductive years. They tend to not be tender and, except in very rare cases, do not become cancerous at a later time. A doctor may feel fairly certain from an exam that a particular lump is a fibroadenoma. The only way to be sure that such lumps are not cancerous, however, is to remove them or biopsy them.

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that often feel like soft grapes. These can sometimes be tender, especially just before the menstrual period begins. Cysts may be drained in the doctor's office. If the fluid removed is clear or greenish, and the lump disappears completely after it is drained, no further treatment will be needed. If the fluid is bloody, it is sent to the lab to look for cancer cells. If the lump doesn't disappear, or recurs, it is usually removed surgically.

Other causes of breast lumps include:

• Milk cysts (sacs filled with milk) and infections (mastitis), which may turn into an abscess. These typically occur if you are breastfeeding or have recently given birth.
• Breast cancer, for which a mammogram or ultrasound and then a biopsy are recommended. Men can get breast cancer as well.
• Injury -- sometimes if your breast is badly bruised, there will be a collection of blood that feels like a lump. These tend to resolve on their own in a matter of days or weeks. If not, the blood may have to be drained by your doctor.
• Lipoma -- a collection of fatty tissue.
• Intraductal papilloma -- a small growth inside a milk duct of the breast. Often occurs near the areola, the colored part of the breast surrounding the nipple, in women between the ages of 35 and 55. It is harmless and frequently cannot be felt. In some cases the only symptom is a watery, pink discharge from the nipple. Since a watery or bloody discharge can be seen in cases of breast cancer, this must be evaluated by your doctor.