Benign Breast Disease
Finding a lump or change in your breasts can be scary because many women immediately think ‘breast cancer’. However, only a small number of lumps that women find in their breasts actually turn out to be cancerous. Lumps can be benign, noncancerous, or associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle. When these occur we call them ‘Benign Breast Disease’.
While the majority of lumps are not an immediate health risk and often do not require treatment, you should book in with your GP for peace of mind.
Causes of benign breast disease
There are a number of common causes of Benign Breast Disease, including changes in hormone levels, medication use (birth control pills), infection, scar tissue from trauma to the breast, and even stimulants such as caffeine.
Pain and discomfort with benign breast disease
If a health care professional says that your lumps are not a health risk, but they are causing you pain or discomfort, there are a few options available to you, including:
Fine needle aspiration to drain fluid out of cysts
Removing the lumps via surgery
Antibiotics if the lump is the result of an infection
If you opt for surgery, it is important to remember that certain types of Benign Breast Disease such as fibroadenoma can come back after surgery. Continue to stay on top of changes to your breasts including pain and visit your GP if a symptom returns or a new one arises.
Treatment and management of benign breast disease
In most cases, patients do not need surgery for Benign Breast Disease but consult with your GP on the appropriate course of action for your personal situation. If some types of Benign Breast Disease are left untreated, they can lead to more severe complications down the road, or an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
This is why you should visit your GP with every change to your breasts to ensure you’re staying on top of your health and wellbeing.
Types of Benign Breast Disease
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Fibroadenomas
These are common benign breast tumors that usually present as hard lumps inside the breast. If they are not causing any pain or discomfort, they are usually left untreated as they often disappear on their own. They do not increase the risk of developing cancer.
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Fibrocystic breast changes
Fibrocystic breast changes usually occur just before menstruation and are caused by changes in hormone levels. The result is lumpiness in the breasts. Breasts may also feel tender and dense at this time. These changes will go away without treatment.
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Breast cysts
Breast cysts are fluid-filled lumps that can make breasts feel tender and lumpy. Up to a quarter of breast lumps are fluid-filled cysts. Unless they are causing pain or discomfort, cysts will not require treatment and usually disappear over time.
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Hyperplasia
Hyperplasia occurs from an overgrowth of cells that line mammary ducts or glands. Depending on the type of hyperplasia you may or may not need treatment. “Atypical” hyperplasia usually requires surgical removal as the condition can make a person more prone to developing breast cancer in the future.
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Intraductal papilloma
Intraductal papilloma typically presents near the nipple as small, wart-like growths that form inside the mammary duct and can cause discharge. If you have more than 5 growths at the same time, your risk of developing breast cancer is increased. Surgery is usually recommended to remove them.
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Mammary duct ectasia
Also known as periductal mastitis, this condition usually occurs in menopausal and postmenopausal women. It usually presents as an inverted nipple or nipple discharge when swollen or inflamed milk ducts are blocked. Mammary duct ectasia does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer, and in most cases doesn’t require treatment.
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Traumatic fat necrosis
Traumatic fat necrosis are lumps in the breast tissue that form where there is scar tissue in the breast. It can be caused by damage from injury, surgery or radiation therapy and does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Unless the scar tissue is causing pain or discomfort, there is no need for treatment.
Signs and symptoms of benign breast disease
People usually notice changes in their breasts or a new lump while doing a self breast exam, while they are in the shower, or in front of a mirror. This is why I stress the importance of doing monthly self-exams to get to know your breasts.
In addition to a breast lump, other signs of benign breast disease can include:
Breast pain
Discharge
Changes in size, shape or contour of the breast
Changes in the shape or texture of the nipple
When should I call a doctor?
Whenever you find a new lump or experience changes in your breasts that you are not familiar with, book in to see your GP immediately for peace of mind and to rule out immediate health risks. Read more about being breast aware and mammograms here.