The breasts can develop various types of disorders. Not all
changes or lumps in the breast tissue mean that you have breast cancer. In
fact, the vast majority of breast conditions are not cancerous. But if you find
an abnormality or notice any changes, you should talk to your doctor. Some of
the commonly occurring types of breast disorders are illustrated in the drawing
below.
Fibroadenomas are fibrous, benign (noncancerous) growths in
breast tissue. These growths are solid, usually painless lumps that are not
attached to any structures in the breast. A fibroadenoma is usually removed
surgically, using a local anesthetic.
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. The cause of breast cysts is
unknown. In the vast majority of cases, cysts are not harmful, although they
may cause pain. Cysts disappear sometimes by themselves, or your doctor may
draw out the fluid with a needle.
A breast abscess is a collection of pus, resulting from an
infection. Symptoms may include tenderness and inflammation. Antibiotics are
prescribed to treat the infection, and your doctor may drain the pus.
Fibrocystic breast disease is a common condition characterized
by an increase in the fibrous and glandular tissues in the breasts, which
results in small, nodular cysts, noncancerous lumpiness, and tenderness.
Although called a "disease," this condition is not a disease. There
is no specific treatment for fibrocystic disease. Treatment of the cysts may be
all that is needed (see Cysts above).
A tumor that is precancerous or cancerous usually shows up as a
white area on a mammogram even before it can be felt. In cases where the tumor
is cancerous, it may appear as a white area with radiating arms. A cancerous
tumor may have no symptoms or may cause swelling, tenderness, and discharge
from the nipple or indentation of the nipple, or a dimpled appearance in the
skin over the tumor (see inset). A breast biopsy is helpful in determining
whether a mass is cancerous.
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