Definition of Lumps in the breasts
There are many causes for lumps in the breast. These range from normal changes in your body to abnormal breast disease. Breast lumps are either (noncancerous) or (cancerous).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Some lumps are age-dependent. Newborn boys and girls both have lumps of enlarged breast tissue beneath the nipple, which have been stimulated by the mother’s hormones. These disappear within a few months of birth.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the underlying cause of the lump. Signs of a potentially cancerous breast lump may include:
Signs and tests
The doctor will perform a breast exam to feel for lumps. Tests that may be used to determine if a lump is cancer may include:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the breast lump.For specific treatment information, see the article on the specific disease.
Expectations (prognosis)
The long-term outlook depends on the type of problem. See the specific condition for detailed information.
Review
Jeffrey Heit, MD, Internist with special emphasis on preventive health, fitness and nutrition, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 8/24/2009
