Breast Disorders and Types of Lumps

The Breast Disorders

Not all changes or lumps in the breast tissue mean that you have breast cancer. Some of the most common types of breast disorders are listed below:

Fibroadenomas are fibrous, benign or non-cancerous growth in breast tissue. They are usually solid, painless lumps and can be removed surgically, using a local anesthetic.

Cyst is a fluid-filled sac that has an unknown cause. They are not harmful but painful. They can disappear by themselves but sometimes your doctor may need to draw out the fluid with a needle.

Breast abscess is a collection of pus, resulting from an infection. Symptoms may include tenderness and inflammation. Your doctor may drain the pus.

Fibrocystic breast disease is a common condition. It is characterized by small, nodular cysts, with a non-cancerous lumpiness, and tenderness. This has no specific treatment but the treatment of the cysts may be sufficient.

A tumor may be cancerous or not. When a tumor is cancerous, it may appear as a white area with radiating arms. A cancerous tumor may have no symptoms or may cause swelling, tenderness, discharge from the nipple or indentation of the nipple, or a dimpled appearance in the skin over the tumor.

Breast Cancer

The worst breast disorder is cancer. This is a disease in which cells in the body grow, change, and multiply out of control.

This disease is quite rampant that in the American Cancer Society estimate, each year there is an average of nearly 175,000 American women and 1,300 American men diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women between 40 and 55 years of age and is the second overall cause of death among women.

To check for breast cancer, it is important that you have annual mammograms especially when you’ve reached age 40 and up. See also your doctor for regular breast exams. At least every three years when you’re aged 20 to 39 and every year beginning at age 40. However, in the confines of your own privacy, practice monthly self-breast exam.