A breast lump is a mass of extra tissue that grows in your breasts. When you find a breast lump it can be scary and can make you feel anxious. Most lumps in the breasts aren’t dangerous, but it is important to see your doctor right away to have them examined. 

It’s important to know how your breasts look and feel so you can notice any changes and see a doctor right away. A lump in your breast could be one of these changes. 

There are many reasons why a lump might be there, and most changes in the breasts are harmless. However some changes are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in the future. The good news is that the odds are in your favor if you find a breast lump. 

What are the signs that indicate a breast disorder along with a lump?

Usually, breast tissue feels lumpy or ropey, and you may have pain that comes and goes along with your period. 

If you have a problem with your breasts that goes deeper, you might notice changes in how they usually feel, like:

• Hard, round, and smooth breast lump
• Big lump that feels solid and moves around around your skin
• An irregular shaped spot or bump on your breast
• Changes in skin color or blister-like looking dimpling
• Changes in how your breasts look and how big they are
• Irregular discharge from the nipple.

What are the different causes of breast lumps?

People assume that breast lumps are always associated with breast cancer, but that is not the case. Breast lumps may occur due to a variety of reasons, breast cancer being one of them. Take a look at the different causes and types of breast lumps,

Breast cysts:

If you find a round, smooth, and hard lump in your breast, it could be a cyst. A cyst is a milk duct that has been stretched and filled with fluid. A cyst in the breast can be big or small, and the breast tissue around it may be painful. A cyst in the breast can show up before your period and get smaller, in few cases completely fade away after the period. 

Fibroadenomas:

Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous, solid tumors that are smooth and move easily under the skin when touched. A fibroadenoma can get bigger over time. Some things can make fibroadenomas grow, like being pregnant using hormone treatment, or having your period. 

Fibrocystic breast changes:

If you have fibrocystic breast changes, your breasts may feel full and have spots that are lumpy and ridged. You might feel pain in your breasts. Many women have changes in their breasts that are caused by fibrocystic breast disease that get better after their periods. 

Infections and injuries:

A breast lump can be caused by a serious injury to your breast tissue or nerves in the area. This is called “fat necrosis” by doctors. Abscesses, which are collections of infected fluid in the breast tissue, can also cause breast lump, which is often accompanied by localized breast pain and skin redness. 

Breast cancer:

A lump in the breast that isn’t painful, is hard, has an odd shape, and is different from other breast tissues could be breast cancer. The skin on top of the lump may be red, bumpy, or have holes like the skin of an orange. You may notice a change in the size and shape of your breasts or a leak from the nipple.

Only after undergoing certain tests recommended by a best oncologist in Coimbatore can help in determining the cause of breast lumps.

What are the tests to examine breast lumps?

Most breast lumps are not cancerous. Imaging tests are often used to show that a lump is not cancer. There may be one or more of the following imaging tests done:

Mammogram:

Mammography is a way to look at the breasts that uses low-dose X-rays. For this type of imaging, a small amount of ionizing radiation is sent through the breasts to take pictures of the interiors of the breasts. To start the evaluation, two single pictures or tomosynthesis pictures (also called 3D mammograms) are taken of each breast.

Breast ultrasound:

Ultrasound waves are used to make pictures of what’s going on inside the breasts. With a breast ultrasound, pictures can be taken of parts of the breast that are hard to see with a mammogram. It can also figure out if a lump in the breast is solid or filled with fluid. 

Breast MRI:

Breast MRI makes detailed pictures of the inside of the breast using a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses, and a computer. MRI is useful for figuring out what’s wrong with breast lumps that can’t be seen with mammograms or ultrasound, but it might not be right for all women. Your doctor will help you decide if you need a breast MRI. For a breast MRI a contrast material has to be injected. 

Does having a breast lumps indicate breast cancer?

One sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. But most lumps in the breast aren’t cancerous. There are other things that can cause lumps in the breasts.

Talk to your doctor if you feel a lump in your breast. When cancer is caught early, seeking immediate breast cancer treatment in Coimbatore, can help overcome cancerous tumors.

Do breast lumps go away on their own?

Some lumps just go away on their own. People who are younger may get lumps because of their period. At the end of the cycle, those bumps go away. But if you find a lump, you should always tell your doctor. Your doctor can figure out what’s causing the lump and decide if more tests or treatment are needed.

What are the treatment options for breast lumps?

Breast lump treatment usually depends on what caused it. Some lumps don’t require any treatment.

Treatment for a breast lump includes:

• Medications for breast infection
• If a breast cyst is painful or big, fluid may be drained from it.
• Biopsy to find out more about a lump (if it hurts, looks like cancer, or is getting bigger). 
• Getting care for cancer if a biopsy shows that the lump is breast cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment are all ways to treat cancer.

What are the tips to maintain good breast health?

• Take care of your body. Talk to your doctor if you notice changes or if something doesn’t feel right. 
• Be aware of any changes in your breasts and talk to your doctor about anything that worries you. Usually, this means doing a self-exam.
• Talk to your doctor or nurse about different health checkup packages to choose to undergo examination.

Find out how dense your breasts are and how that might change your mammogram.

Can males get breast lumps?

A disease called gynecomastia can happen to men and people who were given male bodies at birth. It makes their breasts sore and might cause a hard lump to grow under their nipple. This condition can be caused by an imbalance in hormones or a side effect of a drug, but most cases are “idiopathic,” which means doctors don’t know what causes them.

Men can also get breast cancer, so if you feel a lump in your breast, you should see a doctor to get it checked out.

Important Takeaway:

There are many things that can cause breast lumps. They are common and usually don’t lead to cancer. Try not to get scared. If you find a lump or other changes in your breast, you should talk to a doctor. They can figure out what’s going on, order imaging tests, and, if needed, suggest a treatment plan. Reach out to a Breast cancer surgical hospital to get prompt diagnosis and treatment for breast lumps.