Not all breast lumps are cancerous: Here's what you need to know about breast lumps

Time of India

17-07-2025

Source: Canva
A breast lump is a swelling or bump in the breast that many people find scary, but most lumps are not cancerous. They can be caused by harmless conditions like cysts, infections, or changes in hormones.
It's important to check your breasts regularly and see a doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Not all breast lumps feel the same; some are soft, hard, painful, or painless. They can appear anywhere on the breast or underarm area. Even if there's no lump, breast cancer can still be present, so regular screenings like mammograms and self-exams are key. Understanding breast lumps helps you stay aware of your health and take quick action if anything feels different or concerning.
What are breast lumps?
A breast lump is a mass, growth, or swelling in the breast tissue that can be concerning, but most lumps are benign (non-cancerous). Regular screenings are crucial: women over 40 should get annual mammograms, and those over 18 should perform monthly breast self-exams to detect any changes or abnormalities.
Even if no breast lump is detected, it's essential to follow recommended screening guidelines, as breast cancer can still develop without a noticeable lump.
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What does a breast lump feel like?
A breast lump can feel like a solid or thick spot in the latest sign of breast cancer. It can feel like a solid or thick spot in or around the breast tissue or underarm area, and is noticeably different from the surrounding tissue. Lumps can vary in size, from as small as a pea to larger than a golf ball, and can feel round and smooth or hard and jagged. They may be moveable or stationary, and can occur in one or both breasts. Some lumps may be painful, but many are not, and pain is not a reliable indicator of breast cancer.
Where to look for breast lumps
Breast lumps can occur anywhere in the breasts and surrounding areas, including:
Throughout the breast tissue
Behind the nipple
At the edges of the glandular breast tissue
In the axillary regions (armpits)
How to check if you have breast lumps
To detect breast lumps, start by visually inspecting your breasts for any changes in contour, swelling, dimpling, or nipple discharge. Then, perform a breast self-exam in the shower using the pads of your fingers to feel your breasts in a circular pattern, covering the entire breast and armpit area. Next, lie down and use your fingers to feel for lumps among the natural fibrous tissue, noting that tumours will typically remain rigid while normal tissue spreads out.
Check both breasts monthly and report any changes or abnormalities to your healthcare provider.
Possible causes of breast lumps
Breast lumps can be caused by various factors, including:
1. Fibrocystic changes:
Fluid-filled sacs and fibrous tissue can feel like lumps.
2. Breast cysts:
Fluid-filled sacs that form in the milk ducts.
3. Fibroadenomas:
Benign lumps common in younger women.
4. Phyllodes tumour:
A tumour in the breast's connective tissue.
5. Breast calcifications:
Large calcium deposits that can feel like hard lumps.
6. Breast infection:
Infection in the breast tissue can cause hardened areas or abscesses.
7. Breast cancer:
A growing tumour in the breast tissue can cause a lump.
Types of breast lumps: Benign and malignant
Breast lumps can be caused by various conditions, and while most are benign (non-cancerous), it's essential to have any new lump evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Here are some common types of benign breast lumps:
Fibroadenomas:
These are the most common type of benign breast lump, often found in women in their 20s and 30s. They are usually painless, movable, and can be diagnosed through a physical exam, mammogram, or ultrasound.
Fibrocystic Breasts:
This condition is caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, leading to lumpy, swollen, and sore breasts. Symptoms usually resolve after the cycle.
Breast cysts:
These are fluid-filled sacs that can form in the breast tissue, often feeling like a grape or a hardened lump. They are common in premenopausal women and can be diagnosed through ultrasound.
Fat necrosis:
This type of lump forms in the fatty breast tissue after an injury, such as a biopsy or surgery. It can be diagnosed through ultrasound and usually doesn't require treatment.
Lipoma:
A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that forms under the skin. It is soft to the touch and can be diagnosed through a physical exam, x-ray, mammogram, or ultrasound.
Mastitis:
This is an inflammation of the breast tissue caused by an infection, often occurring in breastfeeding women. Symptoms include breast pain, swelling, and redness.
Breast abscess:
A breast abscess is a fluid collection or pus pocket in the breast, often caused by untreated mastitis. It can be painful and requires surgical drainage and antibiotics.
Milk cysts:
A milk cyst, or galactocele, is a fluid-filled sac that occurs in lactating women, often resolving on its own once hormones normalise.
Intraductal papilloma:
This is a wart-like lump that develops in the milk ducts, often causing a clear or blood-stained discharge from the nipple. It can be diagnosed through clinical exam, ultrasound, or mammogram, and often requires surgical removal.
Does a breast lump mean you have breast cancer?
According to the nationalbreastcancer, breast lump doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer. While breast lumps can be a symptom of breast cancer, most lumps are caused by other conditions and are not cancerous. If you notice a breast lump, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes if cancer is present.
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