Women's Health Blog

Breast cancer is one of the foremost health concerns for women today. It is important to conduct regular self-breast exams to ensure there is nothing unusual, such as some sort of bump. You should also be checked annually by your physician. However, do not start writing your will if you feel something in your breast, as it does not always mean that you have cancer. There are a number of different kinds of breast lumps, many of which are not cancerous.

One such benign breast lumps are breast cysts. It is very common for women to develop cysts (which are sacs of fluid) in their breasts just prior to the onset of menopause. Cysts are a natural phenomenon in the body and are pretty harmless. In fact, they can even be so tiny that you may likely not be able to feel it by just touching or massaging your breasts. Cysts can dissipate naturally. Sometimes doctors will suggest using a needle to drain the fluid.

Another lump that can be found in the breast, and which is akin to cysts, are fibroadenomas. The different between fibroadenomas and cysts, are that this type of lump consists of fibrous and glandular tissue and fluid. This type of lump tends to have a rubbery texture and can even be slightly manipulated. Fibroadenomas can also be removed with a needle. They, too, cause no harm. However, your doctor may prefer to take a sample anyway just to ensure that there is no cancerous material in the lump.

Another way you can develop a lump in your breast is through an injury. This happens when some damage to the inner breast has taken place causing the build up of pockets of fatty tissue in the breast. Or you can develop a lipoma, which is a hardened lump where fat has accumulated in your breast. There are other miscellaneous ways you can develop a lump in your breast. For example, you can have some sort of infection in your breast, such as when you are breastfeeding and your milk ducts get clogged. Medication could also be the culprit. Additionally, various health problems may cause swelling, pain and/or increased sensitivity in your breast.

It is always important to see your doctor immediately if you do find some sort of lump or irregularity in your breast to have it checked out. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially in light of the fact that breast cancer is the leading women’s health issue today. Your doctor can perform a number of diagnostics, including ultrasounds, biopsies, mammograms, and MRIs. This will assist your doctor in better identifying the cause of the lump and the best course of action in dealing with it.

Many lumps found in women’s breasts can simply be treated with medicine. If a cyst is found, as stated above, your doctor will likely drain the fluid with a needle, and that usually resolves the issue. If you have a solid mass, it will likely be removed through surgical means. Remember to perform breast exams regularly and to contact your doctor immediately if you find anything unusual. The sooner you get it checked out, the sooner you can get a positive diagnosis and breathe a sigh of relief.