Breast lumps can be worrisome as it can be an indicator of breast cancer, which occurs when cells in the breast start growing uncontrollably, leading to a tumour. But not all breast lumps are cancers, neither are breast cancers limited to one symptom. In this article, we will not only understand different types of breast lumps, but also list breast cancer symptoms other than a lump. We spoke to two experts to get some answers.
Understanding Breast Lumps
Breast lumps are common among most women and may have different causes. Some of the most common types include:
- Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast tissue
- Fibroadenomas, which are benign tumours composed of glandular and fibrous tissue
- Lipomas, benign fatty tumours that develop beneath the skin; usually soft, movable, and painless.
- Breast abscesses or pockets of pus that can form due to infection
- Mastitis, which refer to inflammation of breast tissue, often associated with breastfeeding
- Breast cancer lumps, which can be life-threatening
According to a study published in the Journal Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, mastalgia or breast pain and fibrocystic changes are common , with around 50% of all women over the age of 30 affected by it. “Fibroadenomas occur in 25% of women; they are the most common benign tumours of the breast and do not require treatment,” the academic paper adds.
As far as breast cancer and breast cyst lumps are concerned, Dr Karishma Kirti, Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, says “Breast cancer and breast cysts are two different conditions that can form a breast lump that can be either solid or cystic (fluid-filled), and cancer can present as either of these. However, breast cancer is a hard and irregular solid mass and breast cysts are usually benign and have smoother margins. While solid lesions grow over some time, cysts can appear suddenly, often overnight and can be painful.”
Common causes of breast pain (mastalgia) include hormonal changes, fibrocystic breast changes, breast cysts, infections, musculoskeletal issues, medications, trauma, costochondritis, breast surgery, and stress, according to Dr Shantanu S Pendse, Consultant-Medical Oncologist, HCG NCHRI, Cancer Care Centre, Nagpur.
Breast Cancer Goes Beyond Lumps
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) says that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with about 20.3 lakh new cases and about 6.85 lakh deaths in 2020 alone. One of the most common and visible signs include a breast lump.
However, it is important to note that breast cancer symptoms go beyond breast lumps and can include other symptoms, such as:
- Unexplained changes in breast size
- Skin texture changes
- Changes in nipple appearance
- Continuous pain
- Nipple discharge
- Enlarged lymph nodes under arm or in collarbone
- Bone pain
- Persistent fatigue
When To Get A Mammogram
A mammogram is a specialised medical imaging procedure used to screen for and detect breast cancer. It involves taking X-ray images of the breast tissue, which can reveal abnormalities such as tumours, cysts, or other changes in breast tissue that may not be felt during a physical examination.
Dr Pendse says, “Generally, women with an average risk of breast cancer are advised to start regular mammograms at:
- Age 40 to 44; some organisations suggest considering mammograms starting at age 40, especially if there are risk factors or concerns
- Age 45 to 54
- Age 55 and older; after age 55, mammograms are often recommended every one to two years.
Bottomline
Note that not all breast lumps are cancerous. However, any new or unusual lump should be evaluated by a doctor to determine its cause and appropriate management. Regular breast self-exams and clinical breast exams can help in early detection of any changes or lumps.
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