Breast Mass

​​​​​​​A breast mass is a lump or swelling that can be felt or seen in the breast tissue. A breast mass can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Benign breast masses are more common than cancerous breast masses. Some common types of benign breast masses include fibroadenomas, cysts, and papillomas. Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous tumors made up of glandular and fibrous tissue that are most common in young women. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can cause breast lumps and may be more common in women nearing menopause. Papillomas are wart-like growths that develop in the milk ducts of the breast and can cause nipple discharge.

A malignant breast mass is more likely to be cancerous and can be caused by various types of breast cancer, such as invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, or inflammatory breast cancer. A cancerous breast mass may feel hard, irregularly shaped, and may be fixed in place. It may also be associated with other symptoms, such as breast pain, nipple discharge, or changes in the skin of the breast.

If a breast mass is discovered, further evaluation may be recommended, such as a mammogram, breast ultrasound, or biopsy to determine if the mass is benign or cancerous. Treatment for a breast mass depends on the underlying cause and may include watchful waiting, surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

It's important to have any changes in the breast tissue evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate management and rule out the possibility of breast cancer.