Breast Lump When to Worry - Indications and Solutions

The signs of a breast lump can vary depending on the type of breast lump and its size, location, and characteristics. Generally, however, there are a few common symptoms to look out for that may indicate the presence of a breast lump. 

Signs of Benign Breast Lump

1. Breast lumps that are not tender to the touch 
2. A lump that feels like a round and movable marble, or an egg
3. Lumps with smooth edges instead of rough ones 
4. Changes in your breast shape or size, such as one breast becoming more significant than the other. 
5. Swelling in part of your breast  
6. Skin changes such as dimpling or puckering on the surface of your breast 
7. Nipple discharge, mainly if it's clear, pinkish-white, or straw-coloured and doesn't contain blood  
8. Redness or scaling on the skin around your nipple (areola)  

Signs of Malignant Breast Lump

1. A hard, irregularly shaped lump that feels different from the surrounding tissue 
2. Change in size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple
3. Skin dimpling or puckering 
4. Nipple discharge (other than breast milk) 
5. Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple and breast skin  
6. Constant pain in a particular area that doesn't go away with time  
7. Swelling under your arm  
8. Itchy rash on one side of the chest 
9. Lump near your collarbone, which may be felt through clothing   
10. Unexplained weight loss

There are different causes of different types of breast lumps, and it is essential to know about them so that you can seek treatment if necessary. Breast lumps can be caused by benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) conditions.

Benign breast lumps are very common and are not usually associated with any risk of breast cancer. They can be caused by a wide variety of things, including:

1. Fibrocystic breasts: This is a prevalent condition that affects around half of all women at some point in their lives. It is characterised by lumpiness and pain in the breasts, which often worsens around menstruation. Fibrocystic breasts are not cancerous and do not increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
2. Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that may develop in the breasts. Cysts are usually benign and do not increase your risk of breast cancer, but they can sometimes be painful.
3. Fat necrosis: It occurs when fatty tissue in the breasts is damaged, which can happen due to trauma or surgery. Fat necrosis is usually benign and does not increase your risk of breast cancer.
4. Breast infections: Infections of the breast (such as mastitis) can cause hard, painful lumps to develop. These lumps are usually benign and resolve with treatment, but they can sometimes lead to abscesses that require surgical drainage.
5. Breast implants: If you have breast implants, it is normal to experience some lumpiness and pain. However, if the lumps are accompanied by redness, warmth, and discharge (mainly if they occur around the implant), you should see your doctor as soon as possible, as these may be signs of an infection.

Malignant (cancerous) breast lumps can include:

1. Invasive ductal carcinoma: Known as the most common type of breast cancer and accounts for around 80% of all cases. It begins in the milk ducts but can spread to other body parts.
2. Lobular carcinoma: This breast cancer starts in the lobules (milk-producing glands) but can also spread to other body parts. It accounts for around 10-15% of all cases.

Benign Breast Lumps

The treatment for benign breast lumps depends on the type and size of the lump. Generally, small benign lumps may be monitored with regular mammograms and ultrasounds to check for changes. Large or complex lumps that appear proliferating may require a biopsy or surgical removal if they are causing discomfort or other symptoms. 

In some cases, hormonal therapy, such as:

1. Birth control pills: They can help reduce the size of certain types of benign breast lumps. 
2. Radiation therapy: is sometimes used with surgery to treat large noncancerous tumours known as fibroadenomas.

Malignant Breast Lumps

Treating malignant breast lumps depends on the tumour's size, type, and stage. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the lump or affected tissue, such as:

1. Lumpectomy or mastectomy
2. Radiation therapy
3. Chemotherapy

Additional treatments may include:

1. Hormone therapy to reduce oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive tumours.
2. Targeted therapies include monoclonal antibodies to attack cancer cells. 
3. Immunotherapy uses substances from your immune system to fight cancer. 
4. Your doctor will discuss with you what options are and which is best for you, given your circumstances.

If there is a lump in your breast, it's essential to know the type of breast lump, that is, if it is cancerous or not. Luckily, some things can help indicate whether you should see your doctor. Some of the signs include:

1. The lump size: If it's larger than 2 centimetres, it's more likely to be cancerous. 
2. How long you've had the lump: If it's been there for longer than two weeks, it's also worth getting checked out by your doctor. 
3. Changes in the breast: Along with size and duration, other things can indicate whether a lump is a cancerous change in the nipple, skin around the breast, or discharge from the nipple. 

So, if you notice any of these changes along with a lump, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible. 

Breast lumps are a common occurrence among women of all ages. While some lumps may be harmless, others can indicate underlying severe health issues and should be evaluated by your doctor as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about a breast lump, it's essential to talk to your healthcare provider right away so that they can provide you with the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember that early detection is critical in ensuring that any potential health issues are caught and treated quickly.

At HexaHealth, we understand the importance of learning more about breast lumps and when to worry. Our team of experts offers personalised care and accurate information about your medical conditions. We connect you with specially trained experts who can answer any questions or concerns that you may have about your condition. Contact a HexaHealth expert today!