Benign Breast Disorders

The majority of disorders that occur within the breast are benign (noncancerous). Among premenopausal women most breast disorders are benign while in postmenopausal women fifty percent of breast lumps are benign and the other half are malignant (cancerous). Benign processes may occur without symptoms or have clinical manifestations such as nodularity, thickening, palpable mass, pain, inflammation, or nipple discharge.

The most common benign disorders occurring in the breast are lumps or masses. Four common occurring disorders in the breast causing lumps are fibrocystic breast disease, cysts, fibroadenomas and fat necrosis.


Anatomy of the Breast

The breast is composed of three types of tissue- fibrous, glandular, and fat. These tissues provide support and contain blood vessels and nerves. The milk glands are referred to as glandular tissue. These glands secrete milk during pregnancy and flow through the milk duct to the nipple. Most of the common benign breast masses develop from the fibrous connective tissue and the glandular tissue.

Merck Manual of Medical Information. 1997.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

This condition is actually not a disease so it is described as fibrocystic changes. Fibrocystic changes are a normal condition caused by growth of fibrous tissue and small cysts. These changes can cause lumpiness or nodularity and sometimes pain. Hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle causing increased nodularity and tenderness are also referred to as fibrocystic changes.

Fibrocystic changes is a common condition occurring in women of all ages but most common in women aged thirty-five and up. The symptoms of lumpiness and/or tenderness vary among women. Some women may experience more changes and pain over a lifetime.


Breast Lumps

The most common benign breast lumps are cysts and fibroadenomas.

The Harvard Guide to Women’s Health. 1996


Cysts

Cysts are common lumps found in premenopausal women and as a woman approaches menopause cyst formation may increase. They are fluid filled sacs that may or may not cause pain. Hormonal changes, milk blocking a duct in a nursing woman, and injury may contribute to the development of a cyst. They are usually soft and may cause a dull pain in the breast. All cysts do not need to be drained.

Fibroadenomas

Fibroadenomas are discrete lumps that are composed of glandular and fibrous connective. These lumps are more common in teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 30. They are firm, movable and can vary considerably in size. Although they are benign, they can become very large and may have to be removed. Your physician should be consulted to determine the best course of action.Breast Hygiene

Your monthly breast exam will help you familiarize yourself with the normal contour and feel of your breast so that you will be able to recognize changes. Lets adopt this habit as part of our normal routine (See “ Breast Self Exam” under “Breast Cancer” for the appropriate way to exam your breast). Have your physician evaluate all breast lumps.