Types of Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Breast Lumps are tissue growths that form within the breasts. Most of the time, they are not dangerous. They can vary in size, shape, and texture and may be found in one or both breasts. Breast lumps can develop due to many reasons and can either be hard or soft. Though having a breast lump doesn’t mean that it is something serious, it is always better to get them examined by a doctor, as rarely they may be indicative of breast cancer or other medical conditions. Treatment for breast lumps always depends on the cause and other individual factors. Let us understand more about breast lumps in this article.

What are Breast Lumps?

A Breast Lump is a mass or growth that develops within your Breast. Most of the time they are non-cancerous (benign) but in rare cases they may indicate breast cancer. If you feel a lump either in your breasts or in your armpits, it is important not to panic and to visit your healthcare provider for further analysis and to diagnose the condition.

Causes & Types of Breast Lumps

Here are the types of breast lumps and their causes:

• Breast Infection: Any infection in the breast tissue can sometimes harden and form a lump. Sometimes, it may also be filled with fluid/pus and form an Abscess.
• Injury/post surgery: Any serious injury to the breasts or any complication after any surgery to the breasts can also cause lumps.
• Breast Calcifications: Sometimes, benign calcium deposits develop making it feel hard and lumpy.
• Cysts in the Breast: Fluid gets trapped in the milk ducts forming fluid-filled sacs. These are usually common in premenopausal women.
• Fibrocystic changes: These changes make the breast feel lumpy and sometimes tender. They usually occur around your period and get better once you have your period.
• Fibroadenomas: These are benign tumors and are movable under the skin. There are certain causes for these like pregnancy or birth control pills or sometimes around periods.
• Breast Cancer: Cancerous breast lumps are typically hard, irregularly shaped, and may not move freely within the breast tissue. They may or may not be associated with pain.

It’s important to note that the only way to definitively determine the nature of a breast lump is through clinical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment if required.

Symptoms of Breast Lumps

The following are the common symptoms of breast lumps.

• A distinct mass or lump in the breast tissue
• They may feel firm, soft, or fluid-filled and may move under the skin
• Pain, tenderness, or discomfort
• Discoloration of breast skin
• Changes in overall size and shape
• Fluid from nipples and sometimes, nipples turning inside
• Additionally, sometimes you feel that your breasts become tender to touch during your periods. This will subside after your periods.

Symptoms of Cancerous Breast conditions are different from those of non-cancerous ones. Below are some observations that you can usually make:

• Localized pain at one spot
• The tissue is hard and feels different on palpation than the surrounding tissue.
• The lump is initially movable but becomes immovable with time.
• Skin changes on the breast like reddening, dimples, or bulging noticed more prominently when you raise your arms.

Early detection and diagnosis of breast conditions are crucial for appropriate management and treatment. Regular breast self-exams can aid in the early detection of breast abnormalities.

Step-by-Step Guide for a Breast Self-Exam:

1. Stand in front of a mirror: Begin by standing in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look at your breasts in the mirror, and take note of any changes in size, shape, or skin texture. Check for any visible lumps or dimpling of the skin.

2. Raise your arms: Raise your arms and observe your breasts from different angles. Look for the same changes as in step

3. Inspect your breasts with your hands: You can perform this part of the exam while lying down or in the shower. Use the pads of your fingers (not the tips) and follow a systematic pattern to ensure you cover the entire breast:

• Start with your right breast. Use your left hand to examine it. Use a gentle, circular motion to feel the entire breast, from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen and from the armpit to the cleavage.
• Pay attention to any changes in texture, lumps, or hardened areas. Press gently to check deeper tissues and press firmer to feel the surface.
• Move your fingers in an up-and-down pattern, like mowing a lawn, and also in a wedge pattern, moving from the outside in.

4. Check your armpits: Feel the armpit area for any lumps or enlarged lymph nodes.

5. Repeat the process for your left breast: Use your right hand to examine your left breast.

6. Examine your nipples: Gently squeeze each nipple and check for any unusual discharge.

Early detection of breast abnormalities can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, which can improve outcomes in case of breast cancer or other breast-related conditions.

Signs You Should See a Doctor

Breast Tissue is usually bumpy. However, if you notice any difference in the bumpiness or if you feel any lumps that have newly developed, it is better to visit a doctor.  Here are some signs and situations that indicate you should see a doctor for breast lumps:

• A new or persistent breast lump that may or may not be painful.
• Any noticeable changes in the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts.
• Changes in your nipples, such as any discharge, an inversion, or any other unusual changes in the nipple.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Before even your visit, While you wait for your appointment you can do the below to save some time during your appointment:

• Note the size and location
• Note your last period date or menopausal date whichever is applicable
• Talking to your family for any family history
• Checking for any factors that may have worsened the condition
• Keeping your previous mammogram results ready if you have gotten it done.

Feeling slightly nervous about your appointment is a common reaction, but knowing a few basic things about the appointment may help you calm down. So, let us see here what are the basic things you can expect on your first visit.

• The doctor might check for the size, location, and shape through a physical examination
• They might ask about your family history

Based on their findings from your medical history, they might prescribe some diagnostic tests for further evaluation.

• Ultrasound
• Mammogram
• Fine needle aspiration
• MRI

During your visit, you can also ask the doctor if you have any questions and if there are any precautions that you might have to take.

Treatment Methods For Breast Lumps

Treatment for these Breast lumps depends on the underlying cause. Some might need intervention whereas some might not need any.

• If the lump is due to a breast infection, you will be prescribed Antibiotics
• For large painful cystic lumps, drainage is the preferred option
• For the lumps that are painful and are increasing in size, a biopsy can be done for further analysis to understand if it is cancerous.
• If the lump is cancerous (breast cancer), it might be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

Conclusion

If you detect a breast lump, do not panic and strive to keep your composure because all lumps are not cancerous. It is always important to get regular checkups done to understand your breast tissue and also to know what your normal tissue is. In case you observe anything abnormal, consult a doctor to understand it better and they can help you with correct diagnosis and treatment options.

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