A breast lump is a growth of tissue that develops within your breast. Different types of breast lumps can vary in the way they look and feel. You may perceive a lump as a mass, growth, swelling, thickness or fullness.
You might notice:
· A distinct lump with definite borders
· A firm, hard area within your breast
· A thickened, slightly more prominent area in your breast that’s different from surrounding breast tissue
· Other breast changes, such as redness, dimpling or pitting of the skin
· One breast that’s noticeably larger than the other
· Nipple changes, such as a nipple that’s pulled inward or spontaneous fluid discharge from your nipple
· Persistent breast pain or tenderness, which might increase during your menstrual period
Sometimes, a breast lump is a sign of breast cancer. That’s why you should seek prompt medical evaluation. Fortunately, however, most breast lumps result from noncancerous (benign) conditions.
Breast lumps can be caused by:
· Breast cancer
· Breast cysts — fluid-filled sacs in your breast that are usually benign
· Fibroadenoma — a solid, benign mass most common in young women
· Fibrocystic breasts
· Injury or trauma to the breast
· Intraductal papilloma — a benign, wartlike growth in a milk duct
· Lipoma — a slow-growing, doughy mass that’s usually harmless
· Mastitis — an infection in breast tissue that most commonly affects women who are breast-feeding
· Milk cyst (galactocele) — a milk-filled cyst that’s usually harmless
Make an appointment to have a breast lump evaluated, especially if:
· The lump feels firm or fixed
· The lump persists beyond four to six weeks
· You notice skin changes on your breast, such as redness, crusting, dimpling or puckering
· You have discharge, possibly bloody, from your nipple
· Your nipple is turned inward and isn’t normally positioned that way
· You can feel enlarging lumps in your armpit
