Breast Lump
Alternate Names : Breast Mass
DefinitionA breast lump is a localized swelling, protuberance, or lump in the breast.
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Overview & Considerations
Normal breast tissue is present in both males and females of all ages. This tissue responds to hormonal changes and, therefore, certain lumps can come and go.
Breast lumps may appear at all ages:
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Infants may have breast lumps related to estrogen from the mother. The lump goes away on its own as the estrogen clears from the baby's body. It can happen to boys and girls.
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Young girls often develop "breast buds" that appear just before the beginning of puberty. These bumps may be tender. They are common around age 9, but may happen as early as age 6.
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Teenage boys may develop lumps from gynecomastia -- breast enlargement that occurs because of hormonal changes in mid-puberty. Although the enlargement may distress the teen, the lumps or enlargement generally go away on their own over a period of months.
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Breast lumps in an adult woman raises concern for breast cancer, even though most lumps turn out to not be cancerous.
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