Breast Lumps: Causes And When To Call A Doctor
You notice that something is different with your breast, and you find a lump. Now what? A breast lump is any kind of growth, mass, or swelling in your breast or near your armpit. People may worry when they find breast lumps because they can be a sign of breast cancer. But don’t panic: Most […] The post Breast Lumps: Causes And When To Call A Doctor appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle .
When you discover a change in your breast, such as a lump, it can be unnerving. However, it’s important to understand that most breast lumps are not cancerous. A breast lump is any growth, mass, or swelling in your breast or near your armpit. Many factors can cause breast lumps, including normal changes in breast tissue, cysts, adenomas, injuries, or infections. Benign breast lumps typically have smooth edges and can be slightly moved when pressed. They are often found in both breasts.
Some of the common causes of benign breast lumps include cysts (fluid-filled pockets, more likely to occur in non-menopausal individuals), fibrocystic changes (fluid-filled cysts or areas of rubbery tissue), fibroadenomas (a prevalent type of noncancerous breast lump, common in women aged 20s-30s), calcifications (hard lumps caused by calcium buildup, often resulting from breast procedures), lipomas (slow-growing fatty lumps under the skin), intraductal papillomas (wart-like growths near the nipple that can leak clear or bloody fluid), infections (leading to hard lumps filled with pus called abscesses), injuries (after surgeries or biopsies), menstrual changes (tender, swollen, or painful lumps right before periods), and breastfeeding issues (engorgement or clogged milk ducts).
If you notice any changes in your breast, including nipple changes like inversion or discharge, it is crucial to consult your doctor. They can help determine the cause of the lump and the appropriate treatment. While 1 in 5 people may find breast lumps to be cancerous, it’s more common for them to be caused by other benign conditions. Regardless of the lump's appearance or feel, it's essential to discuss it with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Written by urgent.news from The Chronicle Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
