Types of Benign Breast Tumors
Finding a lump in your breast can bring panic and fear. However, in most cases, breast lumps end up being benign, and nine out of 10 women experience some form of breast abnormality, according to the American Cancer Society. In some instances, benign tumors can occur due to an illness or breast injury. If you notice that you have a lump that begins to increase in size or cause discharge from the nipple, or the breast becomes itchy, scaly or red, speak with a medical professional to asses the situation. Most benign breast tumors are a result of fibroadenomas.
Fibrocystic Masses
Women in their 30s to 50s who have a fluctuation in hormones will begin to notice a change in breast structure. Hormones that are produced within the breast tissue rapidly decrease and the hormones can cause the formation of fibrocystic lumps. Some women experiencing their menstrual cycles can also form these types of masses, and the masses can be felt in both sides of the breasts. Your breasts may become painful, and the lumps will feel hard or like marbles.
Cysts
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the breasts. When you feel these types of lumps, the cysts will often move about within your breast. They are completely harmless, although they can cause some discomfort. When they become painful, the cysts may need to be drained with a needle by your doctor to check for any abnormality within in it. Most cysts are experienced during menstrual cycles and during pre-menopause.
Fibroadenomas
Usually these types of lumps can't be felt, but if the fibroadenomas grow large, they feel like marble nodules and can easily be pushed around within the breast. Fibroadenomas form as a result due to an excess of milk-producing glands within breast tissue. They are most common in African-American women. In most cases, fibroadenomas will go away on their own.
Intraductal Papillomas
Papillomas appear like broccoli stalks inside the breast tissue. Sometimes when papillomas form around the ducts in the nipple, they can cause the nipple to discharge blood. Papillomas are not cancerous and can be removed by a doctor in a procedure such as a duct excision.
Traumatic Fat Necrosis
The name can be misleading because necrosis (death of tissue or muscle) doesn't occur. Instead, fatty tissue forms into lumps within the breast, often as a result of injury. The lumps are often hard and do not cause pain. If they begin to fill with a greasy fluid, they will be drained by a doctor with a needle to reduce swelling.
Phylloides Tumors
These types of tumors are usually not cancerous. However, in very rare cases, these types of growths can become cancerous and spread to other parts of the body. It may be that your doctor will decide to perform a lumpectomy or mastectomy if the phylloides become cancerous. Otherwise, a benign phylloide tumor will be removed with surrounding breast tissue.
Detection
If you detect a lump in your breast, it is important to get it diagnosed and confirmed with your doctor. If you have a family history of breast cancer, get checked regularly. Women who have a family history of breast cancer will have a higher chance of developing breast cancer themselves. Perform regular (once a month) self-examinations to check for lumps. If you are between the ages of 29 and 30, receive a clinical breast exam by a physician at least every 3 years. If you are over 40, get a mammogram at least every year.
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