Breast Lumps

Finding a lump in the breast strikes fear into the heart of most women, and justifiably so. Breast cancer affects as many as 1 in 8 women throughout their lifetime. However, this statistic is a bit misleading. At any one point in time, your risk may be higher or substantially less. Risk increases with age, and, all other factors being equal, is highest from age 80 to 90. Nonetheless, breast cancer is common and lumps are often its first sign. Because early diagnosis and treatment greatly increases chances of survival, see your doctor immediately if you find a lump in your breast. He or she will discuss with you the steps to be taken to determine if it is cancerous. Monthly breast self-examinations, following your period, are the best way to know what your breast normally feels like and to detect any changes at an early stage.

It's also important to remember that most breast lumps are NOT cancer. The most common cause of non-cancerous breast lumps is a condition called fibrocystic breast changes. These lumps are filled with fluid and become painful and swollen 5 to 7 days before each menstrual period. They shrink after menstruation is over and enlarge again before the next period. Reducing your caffeine intake can help relieve the symptoms. If the lumps do not go away after a month or two, your doctor may insert a needle into one of them and remove some fluid for analysis.

Other non-cancerous lumps can be caused by:

• Blood clots in the breast
• Breast infection (usually during breastfeeding)
• Fibroadenoma (benign tumors more common in women under 35)
• Intraductal papilloma (lumps in breast ducts; symptoms include bloody liquid from the nipple)
• Mammary duct ectasia (inflammation of tissue beneath the nipple due to a hole in the duct; symptoms include burning pain, thick liquid from the nipple, and nipple swelling)