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Any noticeable change, thickening, or localized swelling in your breast that wasn't there before may be a lump. Most breast lumps are benign, and most women will experience a benign lump sometime in their lives. The following four occurrences are common benign breast problems that appear as lumps:
- Fibrocystic "disease" is the most common cause of breast lumps in women age 35 to 50, and is responsible for 80% of all breast operations performed. This condition, which is not an actual disease, is probably caused by the mammary glands, ducts, and fibrous tissue reacting to abnormal hormone levels. As a result, multiple pockets of fluid (called sacs or cysts) develop, and an increase in fibrous tissue may form. In some instances, a lump may consist only of fibrous; rubbery tissue (a condition called mammary dysplasia. Tenderness and lump size commonly increase during the week before menstruation and decrease a week after. Fibrocystic disease usually disappears after menopause.
- Simple cysts, a variety of fibrocystic disease, are either single or multiple fluid-filled sacs. With simple cysts, there is no significant increase in fibrous tissue. Tenderness and lump size often fluctuate with the menstrual cycle.
- Fibroadenoma, a single solid tumor, is composed of fibrous and glandular tissue. It occurs most frequently in women between 18 and 35, and is usually movable when felt. Although it is not usually tender, premenstrual tenderness can occur. Nearly all breast tumors in women under age 25 are fibroadenomas.
- Papillomas are small, wart-like growths in the lining of a mammary duct near the nipple. Papillomas can produce a clear or bloody discharge from the nipple.
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