Signs of Benign Breast Disease

Finding a lump in your breast is naturally concerning, with the fear of breast cancer likely being top of mind. But many lumps, including those caused by benign breast disease, are non-cancerous.

Half of all women have breast lumps at some point due to fibrocystic breast changes from fluctuating hormone levels. When you find a lump in your breast, getting a proper diagnosis is key. 

Dr. Trevan Fischer in Santa Monica, California, can determine whether your lump is cancerous or one of a number of benign breast diseases. Here’s what he wants you to know about benign breast disease.

Who is at risk for benign breast disease?

Benign breast disease can affect both men and women. People who have a hormonal imbalance or use hormone replacement therapy are at greater risk. 

There is also a genetic component, as those with a family history of breast cancer or benign breast disease are more likely to experience it.

Signs of benign breast disease

A lump in the breast can be detected while showering, doing a breast self-exam, or during a mammogram. While it’s an obvious sign of possible benign breast disease, it’s not the only one. 

Pain in your breast or changes in its size, shape, or form could signify this health issue. Puckering, dimpling, or scaling of the breast are also possible signs of benign breast disease.

Problems with the nipple might also be a clue. Nipple discharge or nipples that are creased, inverted, or scaly may indicate benign breast disease.

It’s important to note many of these signs overlap with symptoms of breast cancer, which makes an exam with a medical professional and diagnostic imaging crucial.

Types of benign breast disease

Benign breast disease can be classified into a number of different types, which include:

Fibroadenomas

The most common benign solid breast tumor, fibroadenomas are typically diagnosed in women between the ages of 15-35. They frequently resolve without treatment and don't raise the risk of breast cancer.

Fibrocystic breast changes

This type of benign breast disease causes breasts to feel dense and lumpy, and is due to fluctuating hormone levels. Most often found in women ages 30-50, they typically disappear without treatment.

Breast cysts

These fluid-filled cysts feel lumpy but don't increase the risk of cancer. They often go away without treatment.

Traumatic fat necrosis

If your breast tissue was injured or affected by surgery or radiation therapy, lumps can form when it becomes scar tissue. Treatment isn’t needed and the risk of cancer isn’t increased.

Other types of benign breast disease include hyperplasia, intraductal papilloma, and mammary duct ectasia.

If you detect a lump in your breast, it's important to get to the root cause to determine if you need treatment. Call our office or click to book a breast screening online today.