Although most breast changes, which can range from having a lump, a rash, or discoloration on the breast are a cause for worry, not all lumps are a sign of breast cancer. On the other hand, if you notice a breast lump or any other abnormal change with your breast, see your doctor immediately. It is quite important to have any breast abnormality or change checked to ascertain if it’s breast cancer or not. Don’t leave it to chance or self-diagnose.
There are two types of breast lumps:
- Malignant (cancerous)
- Benign (non-cancerous)
Types of Less Common Benign Breast Lumps
There are different types of the less common breast lumps, which include:
- Fat Necrosis: An injury to the breast can cause fat to form in that area of the breast. The fatty lump is usually painless, hard and round. Since it can be challenging to know if the lump is made of fat, a biopsy is done to diagnose it. Once it’s established that it’s a fat necrosis, it can be surgically removed.
- Intraductal Papilloma: These usually affect women ages 30 to 50 years, and usually appear as growths that are wart-like in the breast ducts near the nipple. They also can cause bleeding from the nipple. Treatment is usually through surgical removal.
- Benign Phyllodes Tumor: These types of tumors are usually benign, but there are instances where they can be cancerous. They are firm and smooth lumps in the breast that are large and grow fairly fast. Phyllode tumors are common in women who are between 40 and 50 years old, although they can affect anyone at any age (including men, but very rare). Treatment is usually through surgery.
What You Should Do If You Find a Breast Lump
When you find a breast lump, do not panic. This is the first and most important thing you should do. Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Call your doctor and have an appointment as soon as possible for an evaluation. Other breast changes you should note include:
- Thickening in any area of your breast that feels different
- Discharge, whether bloody or clear, from your nipples
- Skin irritation on your breast
- Changes in the size, shape, or contour of your breast
- A change in how your nipple looks or feels
- Breast pain that doesn’t go away
Next Steps
If you are unsure about your breast lump, or any changes with your breasts, book your appointment as soon as possible with your doctor. At King’s College Hospital London Dubai, our Breast Care Clinic caters to most types of breast lumps, whether malignant or benign. For more information on breast cancer and breast care, book an appointment below.
At King’s College Hospital London Dubai, our Breast Care Clinic caters to most types of breast cancers. For more information on breast cancer and breast care, book an appointment below.
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