Breast cancer: benign breast conditions | Afrilatest.be

Also read: Thirty facts and misconceptions about breast cancer

Chest pain

Many women occasionally experience breast pain, sometimes accompanied by lumps or growths, without it being a malignant condition. The medical term for benign breast pain is mastopathy. The causes are usually hormonal:

• During the premenstrual phase of the monthly cycle, the breasts swell because they retain fluid. This so-called engorgement can make them more sensitive. During your period, you lose that fluid again, but then everything starts again from the beginning.
• During pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, breasts can feel very sore.
• Puberty can also cause breast pain, in both girls and boys.
• As women approach menopause, they may experience mastopathy again.

Mastopathy is not cancer. Women with mastopathy can develop breast cancer, just like other women.

Cyst on the breast

A cyst is a sac filled with fluid that has been left in the breast. They can be small or as large as an egg. They usually grow in the premenstrual phase, and then shrink again during menstruation. You can change their shape a little by pressing on them and moving them back and forth under the skin. They make the breast feel lumpy. A cyst is not dangerous, but if it becomes very large and painful, it can be lanced and drained. After menopause, cysts usually disappear for good.

Also read: What is a cyst?

Lump on the breast

A small amount of glandular tissue can form a mobile benign tumor together with connective tissue (fibroadenoma or breast mouse). It feels firm and rubbery, a real 'lump in the breast'. You can move it a little under the skin. A fibroadenoma mainly occurs in women younger than 35 years, sometimes later, but no longer after menopause. A fibroadenoma is therefore hormone-sensitive. Its size can change throughout the cycle. In addition, a fibroadenoma can become extra sensitive before menstruation. During pregnancy, a fibroadenoma can grow under the influence of hormones.

The chance of a fibroadenoma becoming malignant is very small. If you discover one, you better go to your doctor. He can have it examined, and if there is still uncertainty, perform a puncture. If it is painful and certainly if it grows, it is better to have it removed.

Also read: Lump in the breast: benign breast tumors

Small tumor in a milk duct

A harmless small tumor in a milk duct is the most common cause of nipple discharge. The growth is most common in women between the ages of 35 and 55. It can be painful and you may feel a small lump under the nipple. The growth must be cut out and examined to make sure it is not dangerous.

Also read: What are the survival rates for breast cancer?

Phyllodes tumor

The phyllodes tumor is similar to a fibroadenoma, which we already discussed earlier, but grows much faster. Sometimes it doubles in size in six months. The abnormality is surgically removed and monitored, because this type of tumor usually returns. A small percentage of these can become malignant.

Also read: Is there a link between obesity and breast cancer?

Mastitis: breast inflammation

Inflammation of a mammary gland (mastitis) usually occurs during breastfeeding because some of the milk remains in the breast. A part of the breast becomes red and painful. You may develop a (high) fever. Sometimes an abscess filled with pus develops.

Sources:
https://www.kanker.be
https://www.bravisoncologiecentrum.nl