Definition

A breast tumor is a lump or growth of tissue in the breast. Breast tumors can occur in both women and men and can be experienced by people of all ages. Breast tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors are referred to as cancer.

Causes

The breast contains tissue with varying textures, including fat, glands, and connective tissue. The composition of breast tissue can also change depending on its function. For example, during breastfeeding, the breast enlarges, which makes it feel and look different.

The breast can also undergo changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Each part of the breast can react differently to hormonal changes. These changes affect the pain and texture of the breast, influencing the appearance of lumps.

Causes of breast lumps include:

• Cysts
• Abscesses, which may indicate an infection like mastitis
• Fibroadenoma of the breast
• Intraductal papilloma of the breast
• Fat necrosis
• Lipoma
• Breast cancer
• Gynecomastia in men, where there is swelling of breast tissue

Risk Factor

Breast tumors are common and can occur in anyone, both women and men, but are more common in young women. Other risk factors for breast tumors include:

• Family history of breast tumors
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Hormonal imbalances

Symptoms

Symptoms of breast tumors can vary depending on the cause. Some breast tumors have clear boundaries, while others can feel like thickened areas. Here are some causes of breast tumors and their symptoms:

Cysts

Cysts are lumps lined with a sac. They usually feel soft and rubbery under the skin and have clear boundaries. They may sometimes be painful, and discharge can come from the nipple. The contents of a cyst can be fluid or solid. Breast cysts are generally benign, but they may be malignant if they contain solid material.

Abscess

An abscess is a pus-filled cavity under the skin caused by an infection. Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Painful lump when pressed
• Swelling
• Redness of the skin around the lump
• Warmth around the abscess area
• Nipple discharge
• Nausea and vomiting
• Enlarged nearby lymph nodes

Fibroadenoma of the breast

Fibroadenoma of the breast is a benign breast tumor, often caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle. Fibroadenoma lumps are not painful, round, firm, and have clear boundaries.

Intraductal Papilloma of the breast

Intraductal papilloma of the breast is a wart-like lump in the milk ducts. It is usually round and feels under the nipple. Other symptoms may include clear or bloody nipple discharge.

Fat Necrosis

Fat necrosis is the destruction of fat tissue in the breast, which can be caused by injury but can also occur after breast surgery or radiation therapy for cancer. The lump from fat necrosis can feel solid or fluid-filled. It is often accompanied by changes in breast shape and pain in some cases.

Lipoma

A lipoma is a tumor caused by the excessive growth of fat tissue. Lipoma lumps feel soft, can be moved, and are not painful. Lipomas are generally benign.

Breast Cancer

Malignant breast tumors are known as breast cancer. Symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Lump, thickening, or swelling of the breast
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Peeling skin
• Nipple pain
• Nipple retraction
• Nipple discharge or bleeding
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Pain, though not always present
• Skin of the breast appearing like an orange peel, with large pores

Diagnosis

To diagnose a breast tumor, the doctor will conduct a medical interview, a physical examination, and, if necessary, additional tests. If you have a breast lump, evaluation usually starts with a clinical breast exam. During this exam, the doctor will:

• Ask about symptoms and risk factors for breast tumors
• Examine the breasts and armpit lymph nodes for lumps or other changes
• Check the breast skin
• Look for nipple abnormalities, such as retraction or discharge

Further evaluation is recommended if a lump or other concerning signs are found.

Additional Tests

Procedures to evaluate a breast tumor include:

• Radiological examination. To further evaluate a breast tumor, your doctor may recommend:
• Mammography. A specialized breast X-ray to detect changes in the breast. Images are taken from several angles.
• Breast ultrasonography (USG). Uses sound waves to create images of the breast’s interior, helping to determine whether a tumor is solid or fluid-filled.
• Breast MRI. Uses magnetic and radio waves to create detailed images of breast tissue. MRI is usually done when other tests are inconclusive. Contrast dye may be injected into a vein to enhance tissue and blood vessel images.
• Breast biopsy. This procedure involves taking tissue and examining it under a microscope. After the biopsy sample is taken, the tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Your doctor will explain the results. Breast biopsy options include:
• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Uses a fine needle to extract cells and fluid from the lump.
• Core needle biopsy. Uses a larger, specially tipped needle to take a tissue sample.
• Stereotactic biopsy. Uses mammography to create stereo images, guiding a needle to sample tissue.
• Excisional biopsy. A small incision is made to remove part or all of the lump.

Management

Treatment for breast tumors depends on the cause. Most tumors are benign, nonhazardous, and can resolve without specific treatment. For cysts or fibroadenoma of the breast, monitoring without specific therapy may be recommended. If the tumor is large and interferes with breastfeeding, removal may be suggested.

If an abscess is found, it will be drained, and antibiotics prescribed. If cancer is found, treatment usually involves a combination of:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormonal therapy

Complications

Benign breast tumors rarely cause serious complications. However, some, like fibroadenoma, can recur after surgery. Having a breast tumor increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

Prevention

It is not possible to lower the risk of breast tumors. However, the following steps can reduce cancer risk and aid in early disease detection:

• Regular mammography screenings
• Self-breast examination (SADARI)
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular exercise
• Balanced, nutritious diet
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking
• Reconsidering hormone replacement therapy
• Switching to non-hormonal contraception

When to See a Doctor?

If you find a lump in your breast, see a doctor. Most breast lumps are not dangerous, but some can be serious. Contact a doctor if you:

• Find a new breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue or the other breast
• Notice changes in the size, shape, or appearance of one of your breasts
• Experience persistent breast pain after your next menstrual period
• Notice changes in breast skin, such as itching, redness, scaling, dimpling, or wrinkling
• Observe nipple retraction
• Notice discharge from the nipple, especially if it is mixed with blood

Breast changes may be a sign of breast cancer, which is more treatable if detected early. Do not try to diagnose the cause of your breast tumor yourself; ensure a proper evaluation by a doctor.

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