What is a Breast Lump and it’s causes?
We will be discussing in-depth every piece of information I can provide you on breast lumps so that you are more equipped to face the situation if it comes to it.
A breast lump is a localized swelling, protuberance, bulge or bumps in the breast that feels different from the breast tissue around it or the breast tissue in the same area of the other breast.
Causes of Breast Lump
There are various reasons why breast lumps develop. Most lumps are not cancerous and do not pose any risk but some might be cancerous as well. Breast lumps can happen in both men and women but I have noticed that it is most common among women.
Some common causes of breast lumps can be:
- Breast cysts, these are soft, fluid filled sacs
- Milk cysts, which are the sacs filled with milk that can occur during breast-feeding
- Fibroadenoma, meaning the non-cancerous rubbery lumps that move easily within the breast tissue. They rarely become cancerous
- Hamartoma, which is a benign, having a tumor like growth
- Intraductal papilloma, referring to a small, non-cancerous tumor in a milk duct
- Lipoma, a slow-growing, non-cancerous fatty lump
- Mastitis, an infection of the breast
- Fibrocystic breasts, a condition in which breast tissue feels lumpy in texture and is sometimes accompanied with pain
- Injury
- Breast cancer
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Cancerous Lumps
A breast cancer lump or tumor usually feels hard or firm. It usually has an irregular shape, and it may feel as if it is stuck to the skin or deep tissue within the breast.
Breast cancer is not typically painful, especially in its early stages.
It can develop in any part of the breast or nipple, but it is most common in the upper outer quadrant. Some malignant tumors can be painful. This can happen when they are large, and if they cause other structures in the breast to be compressed, or if they ulcerate or grow through the skin.
Treatments
While suggesting the treatment, I take in consideration the type of breast cancer, the size and location of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread beyond your breast. Some treatment options are:
- Lumpectomy, or removing the lump
- Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to fight or destroy the cancer
- Radiation, this is a treatment that uses radioactive rays or materials to fight the cancer
- Mastectomy, which refers to removing your breast tissue
Chest lumps are caused by a variety of factors, though most are non-cancerous. However, being sure is necessary and for that even if you suspect anything, getting checked by a doctor is important. Early diagnosis is the key. Accordingly, the treatment is provided.