As a specialist breast radiologist, I understand that discovering a lump in your breast can be a scary and stressful experience. But not all breast lumps are cancerous, and it’s important to know the difference between the good, the bad, and the in-between.

In this educational newsletter, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about breast lumps and address the most common cause of patient’s anxiety.
 

Warm regards,

Dr Vanessa Atienza-Hipolito FRANZCR

Breast lumps are growths or swelling in the breast tissue. They can vary in size, shape, and texture, and can be felt or seen on a mammogram or other imaging tests.

Breast lumps can be caused by many different things, including hormonal changes, infections, cysts, fibroadenomas, and cancer.

What are the Good Breast Lumps?

It is also important to note that normal glandular breast tissue can present as a breast lump. Glandular tissue is part of the normal breast anatomy and is responsible for producing milk. Sometimes, this tissue can become more prominent or enlarged, which can cause a lump or thickening in the breast.

This finding can occur in any age group and is usually not a cause for concern. This is especially common in younger women, women who are breastfeeding or women who are taking hormone replacement therapy.

While this type of breast lump is usually benign, however, it’s important to have any breast lump examined by a medical professional to determine its nature and whether any further evaluation or treatment is necessary.

The good breast lumps are the ones that are not cancerous, such as cysts and fibroadenomas.

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can be felt as a soft, smooth lump. They are common and usually harmless. Fibroadenomas are firm, smooth, and rubbery lumps that are made up of glandular and fibrous tissue. They are also usually benign.

If you have a cyst or fibroadenoma, your doctor may recommend monitoring it or removing it, depending on the size and other factors.

What are the Bad Breast Lumps?

Breast lumps that are cancerous are considered "bad" breast lumps. Breast cancer can present as a lump, thickening, or irregularity in the breast tissue, and other signs may include nipple discharge, changes in breast size or shape, or changes in skin texture on the breast. While breast cancer is a serious condition, early detection and treatment can greatly improve the chances of a successful outcome.

It is important to note that some cases of breast cancer may not have noticeable signs or symptoms and can only be detected through routine screening mammograms or ultrasounds as an incidental finding. This is why it's crucial to start screening early, at age 40 or younger depending on family history. If you notice a suspicious lump or any other signs of breast cancer, it's important to see your doctor right away.

What are the In-between Breast Lumps?

The in-between breast lumps are the ones that are not clearly benign or malignant. These lumps may require further testing or biopsy to determine whether they are cancerous or not.

One example of an in-between breast lump is a complex cyst, which has both solid and fluid components. Another example is a mass with irregular borders or microcalcifications on a mammogram.

If you have an in-between breast lump, your doctor may recommend a biopsy or other imaging tests to determine the nature of the lump.

What Should You Do if You Discover a Breast Lump?

If you discover a breast lump, don't panic. Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it's important to have it checked out by a doctor.

The first step is to make an appointment with your GP. Your GP will examine your breasts and may order imaging tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound or if indicated by the specialist, a breast MRI.

If the imaging tests show a suspicious lump, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to determine whether it is cancerous or not.

Conclusion

Breast lumps can be scary, but not all breast lumps are cancerous. The good news is that most breast lumps are benign, and early detection and treatment can greatly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

If you discover a breast lump, don't hesitate to see your GP. Your GP can help you determine the nature of the lump and recommend the appropriate tests or treatment. Remember, early detection is key to successful treatment, so don't delay in seeking medical advice.

If you have a breast lump, it's important to remember that not all lumps are cancerous. However, it's always best to have it checked out by a doctor to determine the nature of the lump and recommend the appropriate tests or treatment. Don't delay in seeking medical advice, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

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