Breast lumps

Detecting a breast lump often triggers off deep anxiety in women and they tend to panic. It is therefore necessary to have a fair idea as to what these lumps really are.Most lumps are not cancerous (benign) and are completely harmless, though they do represent changes in the breast tissue. They are usually associated with fibrocystic breasts or may also arise due to ones diet. Benign breast lumps are of three types- cysts, fibroadenomas and pseudo lumps.

A breast cyst is a sac of tissues within the breast filled with a harmless fluid. It maybe located near the surface of the breast or may be placed deeper inside. It tends to feel smooth and somewhat resembling a water filled balloon and it may move around as well as undergo changes in its size during the menstrual cycle. It however becomes difficult to locate one if it is placed deeper within the breast. It is most common in women nearing menopause and also in those in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.

A fibroadenoma is a harmless aggregation of cells that are glandular and fibrous in nature. It may appear as a rounded firm lump that can be moved around during a breast self examination (BSE). It commonly appears in teenagers and young women and can be easily removed with a lumpectomy or laser ablation.

Pseudo lumps are also benign in nature and may be a scar tissue, hardened silicon, dead fat or a rib bone pressing into the breast tissue. In case a prior breast surgery or enhancement has been performed or if a rib has shifted due to some reason then a pseudo lump may appear. To ensure that the pseudo lumps are harmless it is advisable to get a mammogram and an ultrasound conducted.

Although it cannot be ascertained positively whether or not a breast lump is benign without examining the tissue under the microscope, nevertheless they are characterized by certain conditions. They often have a defined outline, can be easily moved within the breast, are usually tender and easily located during the menstrual cycle.