Breast cancer is only one cause of breast lumps.
Breasts are comprised of glandular material that is surrounded by fatty tissue and covered with skin. This tissue is connected to the chest wall by fibrous ligaments. The fatty tissue gives the breasts their soft consistency, but occasionally a lump may develop within the breast.
Types
There are many different types of lumps that may develop in the breasts. The location of these lumps may vary depending on the cause of the lump. Lumps may appear in any location within one or both breasts, and they may be fixed or move easily.
Features
According to the Mayo Clinic, breast lumps may appear as an unusual swelling or feeling of fullness within the breast. These lumps may have a distinct border, or they may feel like an area of thick tissue without distinct borders.
Time Frame
Some types of breast lumps, such as those caused by fibrocystic change, tend to appear along with the regular menstrual cycle. These lumps may be located in one or both breasts.
Identification
The glandular material in the breasts includes a number of lobules or milk-producing glands that are connected to the nipple by the milk ducts. These lobules, which radiate throughout the breasts, may feel like a cluster of grapes and are sometimes mistaken for lumps.
Warning
The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a physician if a new lump appears that feels unusual. Existing lumps that don't go away after your next menstrual period or that become larger or firmer also should be seen by a physician. Any lump on the breast that is accompanied by a bloody discharge from the nipple is cause for concern.
Additional Warnings
According to Aetna.com, lumps that have certain physical characteristics may be indicative of breast cancer. These characteristics may include lumps that feel firm or hard. Lumps that have irregular borders, feel like solid tissue, that do not move about easily or appear to be fixed to the chest wall are cause for concern and should be checked by a physician.
Tags: breast lumps, feel like, lumps that, both breasts, cause concern, chest wall
