If you detect an unusual lump during breast self-examination, do get it checked out by a doctor, as you never know if it might be malignant. — Filepic
You are correct, a breast lump does not necessarily mean breast cancer.
There are many causes of breast lumps, and around 60 to 80% of them are benign.
A breast lump is a growth or swelling in the breast tissue.
Although it is far more common in women, men can have them too.
You can feel them as a solid or thickened spot within your breast tissue or in the area under your arms.
That spot will feel more “solid” or firmer than the rest of your breast tissue.
They can come in different sizes too.
Some of them are larger than a golf ball, and some of them are very small, like a pea.
Some of them feel like an area of general hardness, while others can be irregular, round or smooth.
You can even move some of them, although others are hard and feel stationary, or tethered to its surroundings.
Some even feel painful.
You can feel them in one or both of your breasts.
There are many causes:
> Fibroadenoma
This is the most common and usually occurs when a woman is in her 20s to 30s, although it can be found at any age.
It is also called a breast mouse because this lump seems to “move” around when you try to feel it.
They are rubbery and usually painless.
They will not turn into breast cancer.
You don’t even have to remove them unless they cause you discomfort.
> Fibrocystic disease of the breast
During a woman’s monthly cycle, hormonal changes occur.
This may make her breasts feel lumpy, sore and swollen just before her period.
This does not occur in all women, but usually in women with dense breast tissue.
It tends to resolve after menstruation.
If it does not resolve, then it may be something else that requires further medical attention.
> Breast cyst
This is a fluid-filled sac that can feel hard or soft, depending on its location within the breast.
It is common in women aged 35 to 50.
It will not turn malignant and requires no treatment unless it hurts, whereupon a breast surgeon can simply drain it.
> Mastitis
This is inflammation of your breast tissue caused by infection.
It causes pain, swelling and redness.
Mastitis is not a true breast lump, but some women think it is due to the swelling.
It usually occurs in breastfeeding women.
As it is an infection, it needs to be treated with antibiotics.
> Abscess
This can form due to untreated mastitis.
Pus and fluid collect in a pocket, and they can feel like a red, swollen breast lump.
The pus needs to be drained.
> Fat necrosis
This type of lump may be formed from fatty tissue if your breast is injured, such as from a biopsy or surgery.
Your body usually absorbs this lump over time.
> Lipoma
These grow slowly under the skin, and can range from tiny to large in size.
They are soft to touch and move around freely.
They don’t turn cancerous either, so you can leave them alone unless they cause pain.
> Milk cysts
This occurs in breastfeeding or lactating women, where their breast milk accumulates in a cyst.
It usually resolves by itself, but may occasionally need draining.
> Intraductal papilloma
This is a wart-like lump that develops in the milk ducts of your breast, and can form close to the nipple.
It feels like a small lump and can cause a blood-stained or clear discharge from the nipple.
They are not cancerous, but often need removal.
You can’t – not on your own anyway.
You need to see a gynaecologist to arrange for a biopsy (to get tissue samples from the lump for examination) and other tests, e.g. mammogram and breast ultrasound.
The moment you think you feel a breast lump, go to a doctor immediately.
Breast cancer lumps can be different in size and texture, and may or may not be painful.
You also may or may not feel them, which is why some are only picked up by a routine mammogram.
It is more common for them to feel hard, irregular and stationary (not easily movable), compared to benign lumps.
They can also grow larger and change, but will not come and go with the hormonal changes associated with your menstrual cycle.
There is definitely a certain discomfort associated with a mammogram as the procedure requires some compression of the breasts.
But it is a small price to pay to detect breast cancer, which is so common in women.
If you are above 40 years old, you should go for a mammogram annually.
Once you are 45 years old, and you have detected nothing, you can switch to getting it once every two years.
If you have a sister or mother with breast cancer, you are at very high risk of the disease, so you should be getting an annual check-up way before you hit 40.
Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
