16.07.2021 – 13:40
Finding a lump in the chest can be disturbing, even scary. It is completely understandable if you are worried about breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a common type of cancer, second only to skin cancer. And the chance of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. Even so, it may help to know that most breast lumps turn out to be benign cysts or tumors.
All breast lumps should be examined by a doctor. Lumps that you can easily move with your fingers are not usually cancerous. There are plenty of things that can cause mobile lumps in the breast.
Fibrocystic changes
About 50 percent of women experience fibrocystic changes – they are quite common. Hormone fluctuations cause the formation of fluid-filled cysts in one or both breasts. These lumps can feel solid or like rubber. Other symptoms may include:
lightness
swelling
nipple discharge
Fibrocystic changes are not carcinogenic nor require treatment. These changes usually disappear after menopause.
fibroadenoma
Fibroadenomas are benign tumors composed of fibrous tissue and glands. The lumps are strong and usually move easily. Fibroadenomas are usually painless. They are not cancerous, but may require treatment.
Cistet
Breast cysts form when there is fluid accumulation. They are sometimes caused by a blocked milk duct. They can be round or oval and feel soft or firm. Other symptoms may include:
lightness
pain
Cysts are usually benign and most do not require treatment.
Papillomat
Papillomas are small lumps like warts that develop on the walls of the milk ducts, usually near the nipples. Other symptoms may include nausea and / or vomiting. They are not cancerous, but you may need surgery to remove them.
Breast abscess
Breast abscess is an accumulation of pus due to infection. Symptoms may include:
pain
redness or stain, warm skin, swelling
nipple discharge
fever, chills, fatigue
You will probably need treatment for the abscess and infection that caused it.
Necrosis
A round, strong lump may be due to fat necrosis in the breast. This is a condition in which there is damage to the fatty tissue in the chest. This can happen when you have very large breasts, or any breast damage. It may also be due to preliminary lumpectomy and radiation for a cancerous lump. But necrosis is not cancer.
Sclerosing adenosis
Sclerotic adenosis is an overgrowth of tissue in the breast lobules. It can be difficult to tell the difference between this and breast cancer, so they are usually removed through surgical biopsy.
Lipoma
A lipoma is a harmless growth of adipose tissue. These lumps are soft and move easily with your fingers. They also tend to develop just under the skin.
How do breast cancer bumps look and feel?
Breast cancer nodules tend to be immobile. They are usually strong, have irregular edges and are painless. But this is not always the case. Some breast cancer lumps are painful and they can sometimes be soft, round or mobile.
Other signs of breast cancer are:
swelling and redness or stain
skin that fades or thickens
pain in the breast or nipples
pulling or discharging the nipple
swollen lymph nodes under the arm
Self-monitoring and breast cancer screening tests can help detect breast cancer early, before it has a chance to spread. Talk to a doctor about breast cancer risk factors and establish a regular screening routine.
