Benign Breast Conditions
When a breast abnormality is found and determined to be non-cancerous, it is considered benign. This is very common and occurs in nine out of every ten women. Some women experience pain or discomfort due to their benign condition. Sometimes, an increased risk for breast cancer may be present. Fibrocystic breast condition, benign breast tumors and breast inflammation are the most common types of benign findings.
Fibrocystic Breast Condition
Fibrocystic breasts can describe a variety of changes in the tissues of the breast. Symptoms of fibrocystic breasts in the breast include:
- cysts (accumulated packets of fluid)
- fibrosis (formation of scar-like connective tissue)
- lumpiness
- areas of thickening
- tenderness
- breast pain
Clinical breast exam, mammogram or biopsy are the methods of detection for fibrocystic breast condition.
Breast Cysts
Simple breast cysts are accumulations of fluid in the breast. Simple cysts are non-cancerous and typically present themselves in the form of smooth, rounded lumps. They are often moveable within the breast, although they can also appear deep within the breast tissue. While the cause of simple cysts is unknown, experts do know that such cysts respond to the body's hormone levels. For instance, simple cysts may appear a week or two before a woman's menstrual period and disappear afterwards. These cysts are most common in pre-menopausal women, especially when they are approaching menopause. However, simple cysts can occur in women after menopause as well, especially if they are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Fibroadenomas
Fibroadenomas are common benign breast tumors often too small to feel by hand, though occasionally, they may grow to be several inches in diameter. Fibroadenomas are made up of both glandular and stromal (connective) breast tissue and usually occur in women between 20-30 years of age. According to the American Cancer Society, African-American women are affected with fibroadenomas more often than women of other racial or ethnic groups. The tumors tend to be round and have borders that are distinct from the surrounding breast tissue, so they often feel like a marble within the breast. Some women have only one fibroadenoma while others may have multiple tumors. Fibroadenoma are usually diagnosed by fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy.
Intraductal Papillomas
Intraductal papillomas are non-cancerous wart-like growths with a branching or stalk that has grown inside the breast. A papilloma often involves the large milk ducts near the nipple, causing bloody nipple discharge. Occasionally, multiple papillomas may be found further from the nipple. Papillomas are usually diagnosed by imaging the breast duct with a galactogram (also called ductogram) or removing a portion of the affected duct (duct excision). Typically, surgeons remove the papilloma and a segment of the duct where the papilloma is found, usually through an incision at the edge of the areola (the pigmented region surrounding the nipple).
Duct Ectasia
Duct ectasia, widening and hardening of the duct, is characterized by a thick green or black nipple discharge, typically affecting women in their forties and fifties. The nipple and surrounding tissue may be red and tender. Duct ectasia is a benign condition but can sometimes be mistaken as cancer if a hard lump develops around the abnormal duct. Opalescent (clear) nipple discharge is often due to duct ectasia or cyst.
Fat Necrosis
Fat necrosis, a benign condition where fatty breast tissue swells or becomes tender, can occur spontaneously or as the result of an injury to the breast. When the body attempts to repair damaged breast tissue, the affected area may sometimes be replaced with firm scar tissue. Fat necrosis may be mistaken as cancer on a mammogram; however symptoms of fat necrosis usually subside within a month. Biopsy can confirm fat necrosis.
Mastitis
Mastitis, another non-cancerous condition, most commonly affects women while they are breast-feeding. Cracking of the skin around the nipple allows bacteria from the skin surface to enter the breast duct where it grows and attracts inflammatory cells. Inflammatory cells release substances to fight the infection, but also cause breast tissue swelling and increased blood flow. Breasts infected with mastitis often swell, become red in color, and feel warm to the touch. Most of the time, mastitis is treated with antibiotics. However, if a collection of pus (an abscess) from inflammatory cells and fluid results, the pus may have to be drained.
Read More
To read more about non-cancerous breast conditions, visit the benign breast conditions webpage on the American Cancer Society's web site.
