| Benign
Breast Conditions What are benign breast conditions?
The breast is made up of two main types of tissue:
- glandular tissue - the lobules and ducts of the breast
- stromal tissue - the fatty tissue and supporting ligaments
These tissues in any area of the breast can undergo changes that cause diseases or
disorders, such as breast cancers or benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions.
The most common of the benign breast conditions are:
- fibrocystic changes
- benign breast tumors
- breast inflammation
Benign breast conditions are very common, but usually not life-threatening. According
to the American Cancer Society, these conditions can be found in nine out of ten women.
What are symptoms of a benign breast condition?
The following are the most common symptoms of a benign breast
condition. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may
include:
- pain
- lump or swelling
- tenderness
- skin irritation or dimpling
- nipple pain or retraction (turning inward)
- redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
- a discharge, other than breast milk, from the nipple
The symptoms of a benign breast condition may resemble other conditions or medical
problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.
Breast evaluation procedures:
It is important to determine whether the problems are due to benign breast
conditions or breast cancer, as some benign conditions are associated with
a later risk of developing breast cancer.
What you can do:
- Follow the routine three-step plan for breast health.
- See your doctor as soon as you notice any change in your breasts.
What your physician may:
- Complete a medical history.
- Perform a complete physical examination to:
- locate any lump and feel its characteristics (i.e., texture, size, and relationship to
the skin and chest muscles).
- look for changes in the nipples or the skin of the breast.
- check lymph nodes under the armpit and above the collarbones.
- Request imaging tests, including:
- diagnostic mammography to look for masses and calcifications.
- breast ultrasound to further evaluate information from the physical examination or
mammography.
- If there is discharge, other than breast milk, from the nipples, request a laboratory
microscopic examination of the discharge.
- If there is discharge, other than breast milk, from the nipples, request a ductogram
x-ray of the nipples.
- Request a biopsy of tissue removed from the suspicious area.
What are the different types of biopsy?
- image-guided biopsies - those aided by ultrasound or other imaging
technique, including:
- fine needle aspiration - a very fine needle is guided into the
suspicious area and a small sample of the tissue is removed.
- core needle biopsy - a larger needle is guided into the lump to remove
a small cylinder of tissue.
- surgical biopsy - a surgical procedure is used to remove all or part of
a lump.
How are benign breast conditions treated?
Specific treatment for benign breast disease will be determined by your physician(s) based
on:
- your overall health and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment is usually based on treating the symptoms, and may include medications, diet
changes, or minor surgical procedures.
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