Benign breast lumps

Benign breast lumps

Most breast lumps are not cancerous (benign). Still, some may need to be sampled and
viewed under a microscope to prove they are not cancer.
Fibrosis and cysts
Most lumps turn out to be caused by fibrosis and/or cysts, benign changes in the breast
tissue that happen in many women at some time in their lives. (This is sometimes called
fibrocystic changes and used to be called fibrocystic disease.) Fibrosis is the formation of
scar-like (fibrous) tissue, and cysts are fluid-filled sacs. These conditions are most often
diagnosed by a doctor based on symptoms, such as breast lumps, swelling, and tenderness
or pain. These symptoms tend to be worse just before a woman's menstrual period is
about to begin. Her breasts may feel lumpy and, sometimes, she may notice a clear or
slightly cloudy nipple discharge.