Have you felt a lump or experienced breast pain lately? It’s important to see a doctor for a proper check-up. Not all breast changes mean cancer; some are benign, meaning non-cancerous. Benign breast disease is common and includes lumps, cysts, or tumors that aren’t life-threatening but may increase future cancer risk. Both men and women can develop these growths due to factors like hormonal changes, medication use, allergies, infections, or injuries.
Let’s learn more about Benign Breast Disease from India’s leading laparoscopic surgeon Dr. Amita Jain in this blog.
What is Benign Breast Disease?
When there’s a lump, cyst, or fluid discharge from the nipple in a woman or man’s breast, and it’s not cancerous, it’s called a benign breast condition. Breasts are made up of various parts like glands, tissue, and fat. It’s quite normal to have a lump, cyst, or tumor in the breast, known as benign breast disease. Even though these conditions are not cancerous or dangerous, they might raise the chances of developing breast cancer later on.
What symptoms are experienced in various types of benign breast disease?
Benign breast conditions can manifest with various symptoms:
- Fibrocystic Breast Changes: Your breasts may feel lumpy due to fibrous, rubbery tissue or fluid-filled cysts. Common during menstrual cycles, fibrosis feels firm and rubbery when touched.
- Cysts: Fluid-filled lumps in the breasts that can be tender, appearing and disappearing with menstrual cycles. Common between ages 35 and 60, they don’t increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Fibroadenomas: Small, round, movable lumps in the breast, often occurring between ages 15 and 35. Typically, benign, monitored through repeat ultrasounds, and does not increase breast cancer risk.
- Mastitis: Inflammation causes a red, warm, and painful lump, often with fever. Linked to blocked milk ducts or bacteria, treated with antibiotics, and doesn’t increase cancer risk.
- Fat Necrosis: Round, hard lump resulting from fatty tissue hardening, common in overweight women. It may be caused by breast injury, potentially filled with fluid fat.
- Calcification: Tiny, hard spots in the breast due to hardened calcium deposits. Often benign, but some types may indicate cancer.
- Papilloma: Growth in a milk duct, presenting as nipple discharge or a small lump near the nipple. Biopsy may be needed; treatment depends on size and symptoms.
- Atypical Hyperplasia: Abnormal cell accumulation in milk ducts or lobules is not cancer but increases breast cancer risk. Removal with surgery may be recommended, along with intensive breast cancer screenings and medications. Other Conditions (Hyperplasia, Adenosis, Intraductal Papilloma, Lipoma):
It likely causes breast pain and lumps, less common benign conditions.
- Male Gynecomastia:
Swollen and tender breasts in men, sometimes symptomless.
What are the causes?
Various factors contribute to the development of benign breast conditions, with individual characteristics such as breast composition (fatty or dense tissue), age, and hormonal issues playing significant roles. Hormone-related factors, including hormone therapy, birth control pills, pregnancy, menopause, excess weight, infection, and breastfeeding, can also be implicated. The specific diagnosis often traces back to a combination of these elements.
In the case of gynecomastia, a condition affecting male breasts, a hormonal imbalance is the primary cause. Hormone therapy, certain diseases, and severe obesity are additional factors that can contribute to the development of gynecomastia.
What are the risks involved?
The likelihood of developing benign breast disease is influenced by various factors. Your risk may be higher if:
- There’s a family history of breast cancer or benign breast disease.
- You use hormone replacement therapy.
- You experience hormonal imbalances.
Diagnosis
If you notice changes in your breast or feel a lump, promptly consult your healthcare provider. Diagnostic measures may include imaging scans such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRI. A thorough physical exam, inquiries about family history, and additional tests like biopsies may be conducted to rule out cancer. Surgical options, fine needle biopsies, or aspiration may be suggested. Post-diagnosis, benign conditions might necessitate a follow-up exam 4 to 6 weeks later for monitoring.
Treatment
Treatment for benign breast disease varies, with many types requiring no intervention. However, cases of atypical hyperplasia or other conditions elevating breast cancer risk may warrant treatment. Options include surgical excision or medications to mitigate risks. To address pain, discomfort, or heightened cancer risk, procedures such as fine needle aspiration can drain cysts, lumps may be surgically removed, and infections like mastitis might be treated with oral antibiotics.
Can you prevent benign breast disease?
Genetic factors predominantly influence breast health, making prevention challenging for benign conditions. However, proactive measures can mitigate risks. Weight loss may address conditions linked to excess weight, and alternative medications can be explored for those induced by hormones or birth control pills. Consult with your doctor for personalized guidance and potential interventions.
Once you notice changes in your breast, prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial. Benign breast conditions, though not cancerous, require vigilance. Regular screenings, awareness of family history, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can aid in early detection and management. While prevention is challenging, proactive measures tailored to individual risks provide a foundation for breast health. Regular check-ups empower individuals to navigate their breast health journey with informed decisions and timely interventions.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi