Finding a lump in your breast can be frightening and provoke anxiety. But understanding that there are different types of breast lumps and that not all are cancerous, is very important. Breast tissue normally, might feel lumpy or ropy and during your menstrual period, may turn tender. This is the normal condition of the breasts.
A breast lump is a swelling or mass that develops in the breast and feels different from the breast tissues around it. It can be caused by infections, injuries, non-cancerous growths or cancer. It could vary in form and in some cases, can be painful. However, most lumps aren’t dangerous.
For some people, telling the difference between a breast lump and breast tissue might be a bit tricky. As such, when you notice anything different in your breast, it is important to see your doctor to have them evaluated promptly.
Types of Breast Lumps
Breast lumps can vary in size, rate of growth, and symptoms. It is practically impossible to distinguish the cause of a lump based on a breast exam. Often, testing—mammogram, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or biopsy (when a sample of the lump is removed and examined under a microscope)—is the only way to determine what a breast lump actually is.
However, breast lumps can be divided into two main groups depending on whether they are cancerous or not.
1. Benign – This is a type of lump formed by body cells but they are non-cancerous. Examples of benign breast lumps are Fibroadenomas and Fibrocystsic Lumps. Fibroadenomas are solid lumps of fibrous tissue and they mostly occur in women between 18 and 30. A fibroadenoma feels like a firm, smooth or rubbery lump in the breast with a well-defined shape. It’s painless and moves easily when touched.
Fibrocystic breast lumps are non-cancerous condition affecting about 50 to 60 percent of women. Fibrocystic lumps are caused due to overreaction of fibrous breast tissue, mammary glands and ducts to hormone levels during ovulation.
2. Malignant Tumors – This type of lumps cause breast cancer. They spread to adjacent healthy breast tissues and destroy them. If not checked and treated early, they will continue to spread through the lymph system and bloodstream to other parts of the body and death may results. Breast cancer usually causes no pain in the breast. The symptoms of breast cancer include painless breast lumps, nipple discharge, and inflammation of the skin of the breast.
Treatment of Breast Lumps
Breast lump can be treated without surgery provided the lump is not cancerous. There are proven natural remedies to cure breast lump without surgery. Some involves lifestyle changes, diet changes and compressions.
Breast lumps are very common. It is important that you regularly check your own breasts for lumps. If you notice a lump, there is no need to panic, but it is also important that you do not ignore or postpone getting care and treatment either. Be sure to seek medical attention if you notice a breast lump—call your doctor within a few days so that you can be given a prompt appointment for imaging or an office visit.
Even benign growths generally need to be removed, treated, or carefully observed, so you will need medical attention whether you have breast cancer or not.
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