I have a breast lump, is it cancer?
No Need to Panic. Only 20% of all breast lumps come out to be malignant or cancerous
Rest of the Lumps are Known as Benign, literally translated “not harmful in effect”
What causes these Benign Breast Lumps?
- Breast changes
- Medications
- Injury
- Infection
Why does the lump form?
Breast tissue keeps on changing in woman’s life right from puberty to menopause.
It is sensitive to Estrogen and progesterone so you see changes during menstrual cycle.
Types Of Benign Lumps
- FIBROADENOMA
The commonest benign solid lump is this. Also called breast “mouse”. due to the fact that it keeps on moving inside the breast when you try to feel it.
That is what separates it from cancer, the cancer limps are fixed and do not move. Usually, they are painless.
- FIBROCYSTIC CHANGES.
These are the changes in breast tissue due to Hormones. They are associated with the menstrual cycle.
Tender lumps are seen in single/both breast before the start of menstrual cycle.
Breast may feel enlarged and tender and lumpy.
- SIMPLE CYST
They are fluid filled sacs
may be single or multiple,
in one or both breasts,
of varying sizes.
- TRAUMATIC FAT NECROSIS.
This is when an injury to the breast causes a lump
Usually Painless at the site of the trauma, the fat forms the lumps.
- PAPILLOMAS- (Intra-ductal)
Small growths in lining of mammary duct .
Usually near the nipple causing a discharge.
Now, What do I do?
Get an appointment with your surgeon/physician.
The following sequence of steps will be followed in all probability
EXAMINATION
MAMMOGRAPHY
FNAC/CORE BIOPSY/OPEN BIOPSY
SURGERY
HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF LUMP.
How Do I Take Care Of my Health?
Routine Breast Examination.
Screening Breast Mammograms
Keeping Track Of Family History Of Breast Lump
Show your Physicians in case of warning signs.
