Lumps in the Breasts
Alternate Names : Abnormal Breast Mass, Breast Mass, Fibroadenoma
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Breasts Lumps Diagnosis & Tests
Benign fibrocystic changes frequently are noted in both breasts. Benign lumps are usually rounded with smooth borders, either rubbery or slightly movable, and non-anchored. Associated nipple discharge occurs only after manipulation of the nipple, is milky looking, and may be expressed from both breasts.
For a potentially malignant breast lump (cancer), the health care provider confirms the breast changes noted by the patient by performing a physical exam. There may be spontaneous nipple discharge on one side from a single duct. Armpit (axillary) node enlargement/tenderness may be noted.
A mammography may delineate the breast mass. A needle aspiration does not yield fluid consistent with a cyst and the mass persists after aspiration. An ultrasound may be performed to differentiate between a solid and cystic mass. Cancer more commonly shows a solid mass.
Biopsies confirm or rule out suspected cancer in solid lumps:
- needle biopsy -- removal of cells for evaluation directly from the mass (can be done in conjunction with needle aspiration procedure)
- incisional biopsy -- surgical removal of a portion of the mass for evaluation
- excisional biopsy -- surgical removal of entire mass for evaluation
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