The increasing prevalence of cancer in the elderly: An investigation of epidemiological trends
Breast Lumps: Causes, Types, And What To Do If You Find One - WebMD
You notice that something is different with your breast, and you find a lump. Now what?
A breast lump is any kind of growth, mass, or swelling in your breast or near your armpit. People may worry when they find breast lumps because they can be a sign of breast cancer.
But don't panic: Most breast lumps are benign, which means they're not cancerous. Instead, they are caused by normal changes in breast tissue, cysts or adenomas, injury, or rarely, infections. Benign breast lumps usually have smooth edges and can be moved slightly when you push against them. They are often found in both breasts.
A breast lump can be:
Sometimes, you'll notice changes in your nipple as well. Your nipple might turn inward or leak clear or bloody fluid.
If you notice any changes in your breast, it's important to call your doctor right away. They can help you figure out what is causing the lump and how to treat it.
Fibroadenomas. These are the most common benign lumps. If you push on them, they are solid, round, rubbery lumps that move freely. They're usually painless. Women and those assigned female at birth between 20 and 30 get them most often. They're also more common in African-American women. Fibroadenomas can be surgically removed.
Fibrocystic changes. Changes in hormones during your menstrual cycles can create changes in your breasts. These are known as fibrocystic breast changes. You could get lumps in both breasts that increase in size and tenderness just before your period. You might have nipple discharge as well.
The lumps are milk ducts and tissues around them that have grown and widened to form cysts. These enlarge quickly in response to hormones released near your period. The lumps may be hard or rubbery and could feel like a single (large or small) lump. Fibrocystic changes can also cause breast tissue to thicken.
These changes are often most noticeable during your 40s. They're the most common cause of benign breast lumps in women ages 35 to 50. Postmenopausal people are less likely to have these types of breast changes. That's because they don't have monthly changes in hormones.
They don't require treatment, but your doctor may recommend ways to ease monthly tenderness.
Simple cysts. Simple cysts are fluid-filled sacs that usually affect both breasts. You could have one or many. They can vary in size. Their tenderness and size often change with your menstrual cycle.
Simple cysts can be treated with fine needle aspiration. This isn't surgery. Your doctor will place a needle into the area around the lump. If the lump is a cyst, they can suck out the fluid and the cyst will collapse. Cysts can also go away on their own, so your doctor may choose to wait and see if it goes away.
Intraductal papillomas. These are small, wart-like growths in the lining of the mammary duct near the nipple. They usually affect women who are 30 to 50. They can cause bleeding from the nipple. Your doctor can remove them with surgery.
Traumatic fat necrosis. This happens when there is an injury to the breast, though you may not remember an injury happening. It causes fat to form in lumps that are generally round, firm, hard, and painless. You usually get one at a time.
It can be hard to tell if a lump from traumatic fat necrosis is that or something else until your doctor does a biopsy. These usually don't need to be treated. But if the lump bothers you, your doctor can remove it.
Everyone's breasts are different. Some are naturally lumpy or bumpy. You might be able to feel different textures from the fat, glands, and connective tissue in your breasts. Breast tissue changes throughout your life and is even sensitive to changing hormone levels during your menstrual cycle. In general, both breasts should feel the same. It's important to be familiar with how your breasts feel so that you can notice changes. If you do find a lump or other change, talk to your doctor.
For 1 in 5 people, breast lumps are cancer. Still, remember that it's more common for them to caused by other things, like:
Cysts. These are small, fluid-filled pockets. You're more likely to get one if you haven't gone through menopause.
Fibrocystic changes. You might get fluid-filled cysts or areas of rubbery (fibrous) tissue.
Fibroadenomas. These are a common type of noncancerous breast lump. They're most likely to form in women and people assigned female at birth during their 20s and 30s.
Calcifications. These hard lumps are caused by a buildup of calcium. They might form after a breast reduction or tissue flap procedure.
Lipomas. These fatty lumps grow slowly beneath the surface of the skin.
Intraductal papillomas. These are wart-like growths that develop in the milk ducts. They usually form near the nipple and can cause the nipple to leak clear or bloody fluid. They're more common in women and people assigned female at birth over 40 years old.
Infections. Breast infections can cause a hard lump. If the lump is filled with pus, it's called an abscess.
Injuries. Sometimes lumps form in fatty breast tissues after injuries, including surgeries or biopsies.
Menstrual changes. Some lumps come and go during a young person's menstrual cycle. These lumps might be tender, swollen, or painful right before your period.
Breastfeeding problems. If you notice a lump while breastfeeding, it could be a sign of engorgement or a clogged milk duct. If it doesn't get better in a few days, call your doctor.
No matter what your lump looks or feels like, it's important to talk with your doctor. They can identify the cause of the lump and how to treat it.
What do breast cancer lumps feel like?
Everyone is different, but lumps caused by breast cancerare often:
Types of breast cancer lumps
There's more than one type of breast cancer lump. Some include:
Yes. People of any age or gender can get breast lumps, cysts, and tumors. In men and people assigned male at birth, breast cancer lumps are usually hard and located below the nipple.
Breast cancer isn't just a problem for cisgender women. Less than 1 in 100 people who get breast cancer are men or people assigned male at birth. But just because it's rare doesn't mean it isn't serious. Men and people assigned male at birth may be less likely to recognize the signs of breast cancer, leading to delayed diagnosis and a higher death rate.
Transgender men and transgender women also get breast cancer -- not as often as cisgender women, but much more often than cisgender men. These differences don't have to do with the trans identity itself, but gender-affirming treatments. For example, transgender women who receive hormone therapy are 46 times more likely to get breast cancer than cisgender men, largely because estrogen raises breast cancer risk.
Likewise, top surgery lowers your risk for breast cancer by removing extra breast tissue. However, it doesn't make you immune to breast cancer. That's because top surgery leaves some breast tissue behind. The remaining tissue can still get cancer.
Some men and people assigned male at birth develop a condition called gynecomastia. This can cause breasts to be tender and may lead to a rubbery lump below the nipple. Sometimes this is in one breast, but it often happens in both. This lump isn't cancerous. Gynecomastia can sometimes be caused by hormonal imbalances or side effects of medication.
It can. Breast infections are most common in breastfeeding moms, but they also can happen in people who aren't breastfeeding. It happens when bacteria get into the milk ducts through your nipple, or when a clogged milk duct causes milk to stagnate, making a good environment for bacteria to breed in.
Breast infections can cause red, painful lumps to form in less than a week. If left untreated, the lump can fill with pus. This is called an abscess.
Mastitis
Inflammation from a breast infection is called mastitis. You'll feel tender, red, warm lumps in your breast. Your breast might be painful or swollen. You also might get fever, chills, or other flu-like symptoms.
For relief, use ice packs and wear a supportive bra. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also help. If you're breastfeeding, don't stop: Continuing to breastfeed can actually help safely flush out the infection. Feed your baby regularly to prevent milk from building up in your breast.
Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. If you have an abscess, you'll need surgery to get it drained.
See your doctor if you discover any new breast changes, such as:
The doctor will ask questions about your health history. They'll perform a breast exam to feel for lumps or other changes in the breast tissue and under your arms.
If there's fluid coming out of your nipple, the doctor may order blood tests to check hormone levels and collect a sample to check for abnormal cells.
They may also do a mammogram or ultrasound to see if the lump is solid or filled with fluid.
Your doctor may order a test called a biopsy. They'll take a tiny sample of the lump with a needle or small cut and send it to a lab.
Self-examination and mammograms are the most common ways to monitor your breast health. Do these checks regularly: the earlier you catch breast cancer, the easier it is to treat.
Breast self-exam
It's important to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel. Breast self-exams can help you notice changes early so you can get them checked out.
Starting at age 18, you should do a self-exam once a month. If you have regular periods, do it after your period ends. If not, pick one day a month. Mark the date on your calendar so you don't forget. You can take notes in a journal or app to remember what you find and get a better idea of what your breasts normally feel like.
Starting at age 18, give yourself a breast exam monthly. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
The whole thing should only take a few minutes. You can do it in the shower, while you get dressed, or while lying in bed. Lying down allows your breasts to spread more evenly, making it a good choice for people with large breasts.
There are a few different ways you can do a self-exam:
Mammogram
Although self-exams are helpful, regular mammograms are the best way to catch breast cancer early. Mammograms are a type of low-dose chest X-ray. They're able to find most breast cancers, sometimes years before you feel a lump.
When you get a mammogram , you go into a private room with a technologist who operates the mammogram machine. You take your shirt and bra off and stand in front of the mammogram machine. A mammogram machine has two plates: a top plate and a bottom plate. The technologist will gently place your breast on the bottom plate. Then, the top plate will lower, flattening your breast. This is important for getting a clear picture. About 15 seconds later, the top plate will rise. Next, the technologist will help you adjust your position so that the plates can flatten your breast from side to side. The technologist will take another X-ray while your breast is flattened this way. When this is done, you'll repeat the process for the other breast.
The American Cancer Society recommends cisgender women at average risk for breast cancer to start getting yearly mammograms around ages 40 to 44. When you turn 55, you can switch to getting a mammogram every other year if you'd like.
If you have a high risk for breast cancer (such as if you have a strong family history of breast cancer or the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes), get a mammogram and breast MRI every year, starting at age 30.
Yearly mammograms are also a good idea for many trans and nonbinary people, especially those who haven't had a complete top surgery or take gender-affirming hormonal medications.
Talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors for breast cancer. They can help you decide when to start screening and how often to repeat it.
Most breast lumps aren't caused by breast cancer. But if you find an unusual lump, bump, or other change in your breast, talk to your doctor. Early detection and treatment for breast cancer can be lifesaving.
What kind of lumps are normal in breasts?
Everyone's breasts are different. Some people have breasts that are naturally lumpy. Pay attention to how your breasts look and feel. If you notice a new lump or other change, talk to your doctor.
What is the cause of a breast lump?
Breast lumps can be caused by many different things. About 1 in 5 breast lumps are cancerous. The rest are caused by cysts, calcifications, hormonal changes, and other issues.
Can a bra cause a lump?
If you're breastfeeding, wearing a tight bra can cut off milk flow. If bacteria start to grow in the trapped milk, you might get a breast lump from the infection.
Can a doctor tell if a breast lump is cancerous by looking at it?
To figure out what is causing a breast lump, your doctor may look at the lump and see how it feels. They may also order a mammogram or other imaging test.
When should I worry about lumps in the breast?
If you have a lump that feels different from the rest of your breast, it's worth talking to your doctor. Most lumps aren't cancerous, but if they are, it's important to catch them early.
How can I avoid breast lumps?
You can lower your breast cancer risk by avoiding alcohol, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting hormonal medications after menopause.
Subareolar Abscess: Painful Lumps, Inflammation, And More - WebMD
A subareolar abscess is a lump that forms on the breast. This lump can be painful and include swelling. The bump is a collection of pus.
Subareolar abscesses can be painful. They can make your breast or surrounding area tender. The abscess forms under the skin. They're typically caused by an infection. Subareolar abscesses usually come after untreated mastitis and are rare.
A subareolar abscess is commonly referred to as a breast abscess. It is an uncommon problem in breastfeeding or lactating women. A subareolar abscess begins as mastitis and then worsens. Mastitis happens when a lactation duct gets clogged with milk.
Mastitis causes redness and swelling in your breast. You may also have flu-like symptoms depending on the severity. When mastitis turns into an abscess it becomes a hard, red lump that is painful.
Subareolar abscesses are less frequent than mastitis. You'll need treatment from your doctor when they are painful. In most cases, antibiotics will treat the infection and the lump will reduce on its own. Your doctor may need to use a needle to drain the abscess. They may need to make an incision in some cases.
When a subareolar abscess happens in a non-lactating person, including men, there might be another underlying cause. In non-lactating people, an abscess in your breast could indicate inflammatory carcinoma or new-onset diabetes. Your doctor will need to determine the cause.
A subareolar abscess is easy to identify. They usually follow infection in your breast. Your breast may be extra tender if you have an abscess.
The most common sign of a subareolar abscess is a red, painful lump in the breast. Other symptoms include:
You should schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately if your abscess infection gets worse. You might experience the following if the subareolar abscess becomes infected:
These symptoms can worsen if untreated. You shouldn't wait to get help for your subareolar abscess.
A subareolar abscess occurs when a gland or duct under your areola skin becomes blocked or clogged. When the duct is clogged and untreated, an infection can occur.
Subareolar abscesses often develop after mastitis goes untreated. An abscess can be prevented by early treatment of infection.
Other less common causes of a subareolar abscess include diabetes, nipple piercings, and smoking. These factors put your breasts at increased risk of getting infected.
A subareolar abscess will require help from a doctor, but there are some things you can do at home. There are other activities you should avoid because they could make your abscess worse. Your breast will be tender. You may find it difficult to manage your subareolar abscess on your own.
How to manage a breast abscess. Use a warm, damp towel on the infected area of your breast. If you feel a lump in your breast, talk to your doctor. Seek immediate attention if your nipple turns in on itself or if there's drainage. Monitor your symptoms and the pain level in your breast.
What to avoid with a breast abscess. Keeping your breasts clean, especially during breastfeeding or lactation. Follow your doctor's recommendations and guidance. Quick treatment of any infection is beneficial for your health.
Treating a subareolar abscess is minimally invasive. Your doctor may request an ultrasound to determine the size and extent of the subareolar abscess. If antibiotics are not effective, your doctor will drain the infected area of your breast with a needle. This is to remove the pus and begin recovery from infection.
A subareolar abscess is easy to treat and easy to manage. They are common among lactating women and are not unusual. After treatment, you should feel quick relief as the pain and swelling of your abscess decrease.
However, in men or non-lactating people, there might be an underlying cause. It's best to seek quick treatment. Take steps to keep your breasts clean, and massage any clogged milk ducts.
Not Every Lump In Your Breasts Is Cancerous, Expert Explains
The formation of non-cancerous lumps in the breasts can have various causes. Cysts and fibroadenomas are two of the most common causes of benign breast lumps. Several other diseases, including fat necrosis and sclerosing adenosis, can also present as lumps. Benign cysts make up the majority of lumps, especially in younger women. Size and soreness can change with the menstrual cycle.
In an exclusive interaction with OnlyMyHealth editorial team, Dr Rajat Bajaj, Senior Consultant - Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Noida explains that not every tumour or lump in the breast is cancerous. There are other breast abnormalities one should not worry about. Here is what he shared with us.
About 10% of breast cancers cause breast pain or tenderness, although when lumps are painful, they are more likely to be benign. Other types of lumps found in the breast are:
A breast lump or formation of tumour-like mass in the breast can be an indicator of having breast cancer. Most lumps are not dangerous, but it is important to see your doctor to get them evaluated quickly. If you have an underlying breast condition, you may notice changes in how your breasts normally feel, such as a round, smooth, firm lump in your breast, a large, firm lump that moves easily under your skin, a hard, irregularly shaped lump in your breast. In some cases the symptoms for breast cancer may not appear early.
Also read: Importance Of Genetic Testing For Epilepsy
Similarly, the aforementioned symptoms may also be an indicator of non-cancerous lumps as well. That is why it is necessary to consult your doctor as soon as any changes seem apparent in your breasts. Breast cancer can be present as any of the following unusual changes, including swelling of all or part of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, breast pain, nipple pain or inverted nipple, redness, scaling or thickening of the nipple or breast skin, nipple discharge other than breast milk and a lump under the arm. You may notice a change in the size and shape of your breasts or discharge from your nipples.
Ways to Detect Non-Cancerous Breast LumpsThe easiest technique to detect breast changes is to perform a monthly breast self-examination. You should have a physical exam along with a mammogram every year if you are over 40 or at high risk for breast cancer. Your chances of successful therapy are higher the earlier breast cancer is discovered and diagnosed.
Non-cancerous lumps like Fibroadenomas are firm, smooth, non-malignant (benign), which most commonly occur in women in their 20s and 30s. They can develop at any age and are the most common benign tumours in women. They are increasingly occurring in postmenopausal women using hormone therapy. The lump does not hurt, has a rubbery texture and is quite mobile and one can find it themselves. Fibroadenomas can develop anywhere in the breast tissue and can vary in size.
A breast abscess is an inflamed, painful lump in the breast caused by a pus-filled pocket.
In addition, a fluid-filled sac known as a cyst may form in the breast tissue. They often occur in women who are approaching menopause and are most common in women between the ages of 35 and 50. Cysts can be firm or soft to the touch. Cysts can feel like a large blister that is smooth on the outside but filled with fluid on the inside when they are close to the surface of the breast. Cysts that are covered by tissue will feel like hard lumps when they are deep in the breast tissue.
Treatment Of Non-Cancerous Breast LumpsNon-cancerous lump treatment options Fibroadenomas often do not require treatment. But occasionally you may need surgery to remove a fibroadenoma that is expanding rapidly. You may not need surgery to remove a breast lump if imaging tests and biopsies reveal that it is a fibroadenoma. When deciding whether to have surgery, keep in mind that it may change the appearance of your breasts, that fibroadenomas may shrink or disappear on their own, or that they may remain unchanged.
Your doctor may recommend surgery if the results of an imaging test or biopsy raise any warning signs. Additionally, if the fibroadenoma is large, growing rapidly, or causing symptoms, surgery may be necessary. The standard of care for large fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumours is surgery.
Not every lump is a breast cancer, however, one should always consult a doctor for confirmation and get regular screening to stay one step ahead of breast cancer. Your doctor should examine any breast lump that is new, persistent, or changing. The difference between benign and malignant breast tumours can occasionally be determined using mammography and ultrasonography.
However, when a lump is aspirated with a needle, it is often only revealed to be a cyst when the fluid drains. Early treatment is recommended if there is a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Targeted or 3D ultrasound may be added to evaluate particularly dense breasts that are difficult to assess with physical examination and mammography.
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