Understanding Breast Lumps and Breast Cancer Symptoms

By Lila Havens, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

Let's say that while taking a shower, you found a lump in your left breast. Do you know what it means? Do you know what to do?

First, stay calm. Just because you have a breast lump does not mean it is cancer. In fact, most lumps are benign (not cancer). The younger you are, the more likely it is that your breast lump is benign.

Still, no matter what your age, see your doctor right away if you notice a lump or other breast change. You may need to have tests to find out what is causing it.

Benign breast conditions
There are many different benign breast conditions, including:

• Fibrocystic changes. This is a general breast lumpiness that often becomes more obvious as a woman approaches middle age. The lumps may get larger and be tender just before your period. Fibrocystic changes are the most common benign breast condition.
• Cyclic breast changes. These are changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, such as breast tenderness or swelling. The symptoms usually go away by the end of the menstrual period.
• Cysts. These are fluid-filled sacs that often enlarge and become tender just before the menstrual period. A doctor may use a thin needle to remove fluid from the cyst and confirm the diagnosis.
• Fibroadenomas. These are solid, round benign tumors that feel rubbery and can be moved around easily. A surgeon may want to remove a fibroadenoma to make sure it is benign.
• Fat necrosis. This is scar tissue that forms after an injury to the breast. It is most common in women with very large breasts. It can also occur in women who have had breast surgery or radiation therapy.
• Adenosis. This is an excess growth of tissue in the breast's lobules (where milk is produced). If the enlarged lobules are close together, they may feel like a lump. A doctor may need to do a biopsy to tell the difference between adenosis and cancer.

Breast cancer symptoms
Early breast cancer usually doesn't cause any symptoms. In most cases it is found during a routine mammogram, often years before it is large enough to be felt as a lump.

As a breast tumor grows, it may cause symptoms that include:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• Puckering or dimpling of the skin on the breast
• A nipple that is turned inward (inverted)
• Fluid (discharge) from the nipple, especially if it's bloody
• Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, or ridged or pitted skin that looks like the skin of an orange

These symptoms may point to breast cancer, but benign breast conditions can cause some of the same changes. If you have any of them, don't assume the worst, but do see your doctor right away. You may need to have a mammogram, ultrasound, or other tests to find what is causing your symptoms. A biopsy is the only sure way to know if a breast lump is cancer.

Updated on 12/08/2010 SOURCES:

• American Cancer Society. Non-cancerous breast conditions. Accessed: 09/03/2010

• National Cancer Institute. What you need to know about breast cancer: symptoms. Accessed: 09/03/2010

• Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Benign breast conditions (benign breast disease). Accessed: 09/03/2010

• Santen RJ, Mansel R. Benign breast disorders. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353(3):275-285.

Copyright ? 2011 myOptumHealth.

Source: http://feeds.myoptumhealth.com/~r/portal/feeds/cancer/~3/Ji66i0sMG38/Is+That+Lump+Breast+Cancer%3F

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