Breast lumps and cancer
For many women, feeling a lump in their breast(s) can be quite a frightening experience. For most women, their first thought is cancer. However, it should be realised that many breast lumps are not cancerous. They are usually benign (not malignant) tumours or cysts that do not invade cells or destroy body tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Here are some examples of these breast lumps.
Fibroadenomas
Fibroadenomas occur mainly in women under the age of 30, and are made of fibrous and glandular tissue. They are painless, have a rubbery feel and can generally move freely under the breast tissue. Fibroadenomas are not linked to an increased risk for breast cancer and can be removed if necessary, but always check any breast lump with your doctor.
Breast cysts
Cysts are benign growths that occur in the breasts of some women. They are actually fluid-filled sacs that are often painful or tender to the touch, especially during the week before a woman’s menstrual period. They can change size over time and may disappear and re-appear. These cysts can occur near the surface of the skin or deep within the breast. When cysts are painful doctors can treat these types of lumps by inserting a needle into the lump and withdrawing the fluid (needle aspiration). The fluid is usually sent away for examination in a laboratory. Sometimes the cyst is removed surgically if a cancer is growing within its wall or nearby. Breast lumps that do not go away should be tested with a biopsy.
Benign milk duct tumours
Benign milk duct tumours (intraductal papillomas) occur within the part of the breast that breast milk would flow through, and may cause a discharge from the nipple. Your doctor should examine these lumps, which are usually felt just behind and near the edge of the nipple, and you may need to have a breast biopsy if there is any bloody discharge from the nipple. Your doctor will also recommend whether the lump and the affected milk duct need to be surgically removed. A bloody discharge is not necessarily an indication of breast cancer, but always needs to be checked by your doctor.
Tests conducted on breast lumps
There are a number of tests that can be used to decide if a breast lump is benign.
- Ultrasound — this test uses high frequency sound waves and is often used to determine if the lump is fluid-filled (this is usually harmless) or solid.
- Needle aspiration — this is where a needle is inserted directly into the lumps to remove fluid or cells.
- Biopsy — this is where a sample of breast tissue is taken and then microscopically examined. This test is considered to be the most accurate way of determining the make-up of lump tissue. The breast tissue is either taken by needle or by surgery (needle biopsy or surgical biopsy).
- Mammogram — this is an X-ray of the breast used to detect abnormalities. This type of testing is also often used as a screening test for women without symptoms.
Last Reviewed: 01 July 2009
