Benign diagnosis

The breast biopsy diagnosis may reveal that a breast abnormality is benign, or non-cancerous. This is good news.

Benign (non-cancerous) conditions are more common among young women in their late teens, twenties and thirties. Most benign breast conditions are caused by changes in the breast tissue, which normally occur during your period. You may experience breast swelling, tenderness and lumpiness. Although these conditions usually fade over time, others may persist and require additional follow-up care. Two such benign conditions are fibroadenomas and cysts.

Most benign breast lumps are caused by fibrocystic [FI-bro-SIS-tic] changes in the breast, which are a normal part of the menstrual cycle. These lumps generally consist of fluid-filled cysts formed within the breast tissue and do not increase your chance of getting breast cancer. However, breast swelling and tenderness can be associated with fibrocystic changes. In addition, your breast may feel lumpy and occasionally present a cloudy discharge from the nipple.

Fibroadenomas [FI-bro-ad-eh-NO-ma] and intraductal papillomas [pa-pi-LO-mas] are two other types of benign breast lumps and abnormalities. Fibroadenomas generally consist of smooth, rubbery or hard lumps that move easily within the breast tissue. These abnormalities very rarely develop into breast cancer and are most commonly found in teenagers and African American women. Intraductal papillomas are wart-like lumps that form within a milk duct. They sometimes cause nipple discharge.

Fibroadenoma — Fibroadenomas are round, benign lumps. Some are too small to be felt, while others may be several inches wide. Depending on your situation, your physician may simply recommend watchful waiting and continued monthly breast self-exams and annual clinical exams. However, the fibroadenoma may be removed if it causes pain or discomfort, continues to grow or changes shape.
Removal could also be recommended to ensure that the lump is indeed non-cancerous.

Cyst — Cysts are smooth lumps that may be large enough to be seen from the outside. They begin as a build up of fluid inside breast glands. As the fluid builds, the surrounding breast tissue stretches, which may cause pain. To help relieve this condition, your doctor may perform a variety of different procedures to manage the cyst.

Your doctor will advise you on the proper course of action regarding a benign breast lump or abnormality. Occasionally, the decision is made to remove the cyst either through a surgical or minimally invasive procedure. Regardless of this decision, you will want to continue to perform a monthly breast self-exam and get an annual breast exam and mammogram.