In addition to breast cancer,
various benign conditions can also occur in the breasts.
Common conditions include lumps, nipple discharge, breast pain,
and skin dimpling. While these may be easily treatable benign breast conditions,
it’s important to note that there is also a possibility of breast cancer.
Therefore, a precise diagnosis through detailed testing should be conducted before any treatment begins.
Types of Benign Breast Conditions
Accessory Breasts (Supernumerary Breasts)
This refers to the presence of breast tissue not only in the chest area but also in other parts of the body.
Humans are born with a mammary ridge that extends from the armpit to the groin, and when this ridge does not fully regress, it remains as accessory breast tissue.
If the tissue consists mainly of fatty tissue, liposuction may be used.
If there is glandular tissue, a Mammotome (Enco) device may be employed for surgical removal.
Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenomas are one of the most common benign tumors, frequently occurring in women in their 20s and 30s.
These tumors often present as firm, round lumps in the breast.
They are usually well-defined with clear boundaries and have a characteristic mobility when palpated.
These lumps are typically painless, and one of their defining features is the formation of distinct borders on the surface of the breast.
Papilloma
A papilloma is a growth that typically forms around the nipple area, either as a solitary or single occurrence.
Most papillomas are smaller than 1 cm, but in some cases, they can grow up to 4-5cm.
Solitary papillomas are more common around menopause, while multiple papillomas tend to occur in younger women.
Multiple peripheral papillomas have a relatively higher risk of developing into breast cancer compared to solitary papillomas.
Breast Pain (Mastalgia)
Breast pain is one of the most common symptoms that leads women to seek care at general hospitals or breast specialty clinics.
For women experiencing breast pain, it’s important to rule out the possibility of breast diseases through thorough examination.
However, in 80-90% of cases where no breast lumps are found, the pain is often related to hormonal changes and tends to improve on its own over time.
In many cases, simply explaining the condition to the patient can help manage the symptoms.
Phyllodes Tumor
Phyllodes tumors closely resemble fibroadenomas and must be carefully differentiated from them.
However, they grow much more rapidly compared to fibroadenomas and tend to have a higher risk of local recurrence after excision.
Phyllodes tumors are classified as benign, borderline, or malignant based on microscopic findings.
Breast Cyst
A breast cyst is a solid, round fluid-filled sac that forms in the breast tissue, typically when a milk duct becomes blocked, causing fluid to accumulate like a balloon.
This condition is most commonly found in women in their late 20s to early 40s, especially in those with dense breast tissue, and is also prevalent before menopause.
Lump (Breast Nodule)
Lumps, masses, or tumors that form in the breast are collectively referred to as breast nodules.
These can be classified into two main types: cystic nodules (fluid-filled lumps) and solid nodules (firm lumps).
The approach to diagnosis and treatment may vary depending on the characteristics of the nodule.
Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast caused by various factors, most commonly occurring in women aged 18 to 50.
It typically arises when bacteria enter through the nipple, especially in individuals with diabetes or those with reduced immune resistance.
Women with inverted nipples are more prone to developing mastitis due to the increased likelihood of bacterial entry.
Do You Know the Causes of Breast Lumps?
Environmental toxins
Stress
Hormonal imbalances
Internal inflammation
in the body
When cells in the breast grow abnormally and form lumps,
it indicates that there may be an underlying issue within the body causing these growths.
It is important not only to remove the lump but also to identify the root cause to prevent benign breast lumps from spreading or worsening.
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