Suspicious Breast Lumps – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Breast lumps are tissue growths that develop within breast tissue. Most of these lumps are benign (non-cancerous) and pose no serious health risks.

However, it’s important to have any new breast lump examined by a healthcare provider right away. Early evaluation helps determine if treatment is needed and provides peace of mind.

Breast Changes to Look For

Make an appointment if you discover a new lump that feels hard or fixed in one position. Don’t wait if the lump persists for more than 4-6 weeks or changes in size or texture.

Seek medical care if you notice skin changes on your breast such as:

• Color changes
• Crusting
• Dimpling (like an orange peel)
• Puckering

Other important warning signs include:

• Sudden fluid discharge from the nipple (especially if bloody)
• A nipple that has recently turned inward
• A new or growing lump in your armpit

Your breast tissue normally feels somewhat lumpy or rope-like. Some tenderness that comes and goes with your menstrual cycle is also common. However, certain changes may need medical attention.

Watch for these possible changes:

1. A round, smooth, firm lump
2. A lump that feels firm but moves easily under the skin
3. A hard lump with irregular edges
4. Skin color changes
5. Dimpled skin resembling an orange peel
6. New changes in breast size or shape
7. Fluid leaking from the nipple

Remember that most breast lumps are not cancer, but it’s always best to have them checked by a healthcare provider.

Causes of Breast Lumps

Breast lumps occur for many different reasons. Understanding these causes can help you know when to seek medical attention.

Fluid-Filled Breast Cysts

Breast cysts are round, smooth, firm sacs filled with fluid inside the breast tissue. They can vary in size from tiny (a few millimeters) to very large (like an orange).

The area around a cyst might feel tender to touch. Cysts often appear quickly before menstrual periods and may change size or disappear afterward.

Fibrocystic Changes

With fibrocystic breast changes, you might feel general breast fullness. Some areas may feel rope-like or lumpy. Tenderness is common.

These changes typically relate to hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, with symptoms improving after periods end.

Fibroadenomas

These are solid, non-cancerous breast tumors. When touched, fibroadenomas feel smooth and move easily under the skin. They may grow larger or smaller over time. Factors that might affect their growth include:

• Pregnancy
• Hormone therapy (including birth control pills)
• Menstrual cycle changes

Injury-Related Lumps

Serious injuries to breast tissue or complications after breast surgery can create lumps. This condition, called fat necrosis, happens when fatty breast tissue is damaged.

Infections and Abscesses

Breast infections can form pockets of infected fluid called abscesses. These lumps often cause:

• Pain
• Redness in the affected area
• Skin swelling

Intraductal Papillomas

These small, tag-like growths form inside milk ducts. While usually not painful, they can cause clear or bloody fluid to leak from the nipple. Breast ultrasounds can detect these growths in the area beneath the nipple.

Lipomas

Lipomas are composed of fatty tissue in the breasts, typically have a soft texture when touched, and are typically harmless.

Breast Cancer

Cancer-related breast lumps often have distinct characteristics:

• Painless and hard
• Irregular edges
• Different from surrounding breast tissue
• Possible skin changes (thickening, color changes, redness)
• Dimpled or pitted skin resembling an orange peel
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Fluid leaking from the nipple
• Nipple turning inward
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone

Risk Factors

When it comes to breast lumps, some factors increase your chances of developing them. These risk factors can be split into two groups: those for non-cancerous lumps and those for cancerous ones.

Non-Cancerous Breast Lump Risk Factors

Several factors may lead to non-cancerous breast lumps:

• Age Range: Women in their 30s and 40s often experience fibrocystic changes and fibroadenomas, which can create lumps.
• Monthly Cycle: Before or during menstruation, extra fluid in breast tissue may cause temporary lumps.
• Pregnancy Changes: Breast tissue changes during pregnancy as milk-producing glands multiply and grow larger.
• Approaching Menopause: Hormone shifts during pre-menopause can make breasts feel lumpier and more tender.

Controllable Cancer Risk Factors

Some breast cancer risk factors can be managed:

Factor	Risk Information
Alcohol Use	Risk increases with amount consumed
Weight	Being overweight after menopause raises risk
Physical Activity	Lack of exercise may increase cancer risk
Childbearing	Not having children or having them after 30 slightly increases risk
Breastfeeding	Not breastfeeding may slightly raise risk

Hormonal treatments can also affect risk:

• Birth control using hormones (pills, shots, certain IUDs)
• Long-term hormone therapy combining estrogen and progesterone

Uncontrollable Cancer Risk Factors

Some breast cancer risk factors cannot be changed:

1. Gender: Women face a much higher risk than men.
2. Age: Risk increases with age, with most diagnoses occurring after 55.
3. Genetics: Inherited gene changes, especially in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
4. Family History: Having close relatives with breast cancer increases the risk.

Other unchangeable factors include:

• Breast Density: Denser breast tissue (more glandular and fibrous tissue, less fat) increases cancer risk.
• Reproductive Timing: Starting periods before age 12 or experiencing menopause after 55 slightly raises risk.
• Previous Breast Conditions: Some non-cancerous conditions like atypical ductal hyperplasia, atypical lobular hyperplasia, and lobular carcinoma in situ can increase future cancer risk.

Understanding these risk factors helps you know your personal risk level. While you cannot change some factors, others can be modified through lifestyle choices.

Possible Problems

Some breast lumps can lead to other health issues. The specific problems depend on what kind of lump you have.

Breast infections without proper treatment may form pus pockets in breast tissue. This can be painful and require medical attention.

Certain non-cancerous breast conditions can increase future breast cancer risk. These include:

• Atypical ductal hyperplasia
• Atypical lobular hyperplasia
• Lobular carcinoma in situ

Having these conditions doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop cancer. Talk with your healthcare provider about what your specific risk means and possible lifestyle changes to reduce it.

Not all breast lumps cause problems. Small cysts and simple fibroadenomas sometimes disappear without treatment over time. Your doctor can help determine which lumps need monitoring or treatment and which may resolve naturally.

Regular follow-up appointments are important for anyone with breast lumps, especially those with conditions that increase cancer risk.

Prevention

Many breast lumps happen naturally due to changes in the body, especially hormonal shifts. While some breast lumps cannot be prevented, you can take steps to lower your risk of developing cancerous breast lumps.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

• Women: No more than 1 drink per day
• Men: No more than 2 drinks per day

Eat a Healthy Diet

• Lean proteins
• Whole grains
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Fewer processed foods
• Less sugar and salt

Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise plays an important role in breast health. The American Cancer Society suggests adults aim for:

• 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise weekly; or
• 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly

If you haven’t been active, talk to your healthcare provider about starting an exercise program that works for you.

Weight Management

Keeping a healthy weight can help reduce your breast cancer risk. Extra body fat can raise estrogen levels, which may increase the chance of developing certain types of breast cancer.

Know Your Family History

Understanding your family’s health history is important. If breast cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor. They might suggest earlier or more frequent screenings.

Regular Screenings

Early detection is key. Follow the recommended screening guidelines based on your age and risk factors:

• Regular self-exams to become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel
• Clinical breast exams during routine checkups
• Mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider

Breastfeeding

If you have children, consider breastfeeding if possible. Studies show that breastfeeding may slightly lower breast cancer risk, especially if continued for a year or more.

Limit Hormone Therapy

If you’re considering hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Using combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases breast cancer risk.

Avoid Environmental Risks

While research is ongoing, it may help to:

• Limit exposure to radiation and environmental pollution
• Use personal care products with fewer chemicals
• Avoid known carcinogens in the workplace

Remember that having risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll develop breast cancer. Many people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are your best defense.