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Benign breast lumpsPublished by Bupa's health information team, June 2009. This factsheet is for women who have a benign breast lump, or who would like information about them. A breast lump is a swelling or localised thickening in the breast. Breast lumps are common. Nine out of 10 breast lumps are benign (not cancerous).
About your breastsYour breasts are made up of fat, connective tissue, glandular tissue and ducts. The glandular tissue is organised in lobes that are connected to the nipple by ducts to produce and deliver milk if you have a baby. A 'tail' of breast tissue extends under the skin of your armpit. Your armpits also contain a collection of lymph nodes. These are glands that are found throughout your body and are part of your immune system.
About benign breast lumpsThere are many different types of benign breast lump. The most common are cysts (sacs of fluid that build up in the breast tissue) and fibroadenomas (solid growths made up of fibrous and glandular tissue). Sometimes normal parts of the breast can feel like a lump. Symptoms of a benign breast lumpMost breast lumps aren't cancerous but see your GP if you find a lump in your breast, or have symptoms including:
Causes of a benign breast lumpBreast lumps have many causes and your GP may use one of the terms below to describe your lump.
If you're pregnantIf you're pregnant, you may notice that your breasts become sore and tender. This is caused by the increase in progesterone (one of the female hormones) and growth of your milk ducts. You may develop benign breast lumps such as cysts or fibroadenomas during pregnancy. Breast cancer is very rare during pregnancy but if you're aware of a definite localised lump or any of the other symptoms listed above, speak to your GP. Diagnosis of a benign breast lumpYour GP will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may also ask you about your medical history. If you have a breast lump, you will usually need to have further tests. Your GP may refer you to a doctor at a hospital or specialist breast clinic to have these tests. The tests you need will depend on your symptoms and age. Commonly used tests are listed below.
Treatment of a benign breast lumpYou won't usually need treatment for small fibroadenomas, hamartomas or lipomas unless they are causing symptoms. However, other types of benign breast lump may require treatment. Cysts can be drained (aspirated) with a fine needle and don't usually need further treatment. If you have a solid lump, you will usually have a biopsy taken with a needle to determine the treatment you need. Large fibroadenomas, hamartomas and lipomas are removed to prevent them getting larger still. They will be examined in a laboratory to be certain of the diagnosis. Phyllodes lumps and papillomas are also always removed. If you have an abscess or other infection, you will be given antibiotics. Abscesses may also be drained if there is a collection of pus. Your doctor will advise which treatment is best for you. Self-helpThere isn't much reliable evidence that lifestyle and diet changes will increase or decrease your chance of getting a benign breast lump. However, in the long-term, living a healthy lifestyle means you're less likely to get other diseases, including some cancers. Some benign lumps are more common in women taking the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Breast awarenessEarly detection of breast cancer is vital as it increases the chance of successful treatment. If you notice a change in your breasts, such as how they look or feel, arrange to see your GP as soon as possible. MammographyMammography involves having X-ray images (mammograms) taken of your breasts. The image can show abnormalities in your breast at an early stage, when they are too small for you or your GP to feel. The NHS runs a free National Breast Screening Programme, where all women in the UK aged 50 to 70 are invited for a breast screening mammogram every three years. Women over 70 can continue to be screened but you will need to request this. Younger women aren't routinely invited for screening and breast cancer is quite rare in women under 50. However, mammography is available privately for women over 40. Research from the World Health Organization has shown that mammography screening saves one life in every 500 women screened. However, no test can give you an absolute 'all clear' and mammograms may not always detect abnormalities in your breast. It's important that you arrange to see your GP as soon as possible if you feel a breast lump, even if a recent mammogram didn't show any changes in your breast.
Related topics
Further information
Sources
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: June 2009
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