Breast Problems

Breast lumps or changes are a common health worry for most women. Women may have many kinds of breast lumps and other Reference breast changes Opens New Window throughout their lives, including changes that occur with menstrual periods, pregnancy, and aging. Most Reference breast lumps and breast changes are normal.

See a picture of the Reference breast anatomy Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.

Breast changes in young girls

Breast development is the first sign of puberty in young girls. Usually, breasts begin as small, tender bumps under one or both nipples that will get bigger over the next few years. It is not unusual for one breast to be larger than the other or for one side to develop before the other. A girl may worry that a lump under the nipple is abnormal or a sign of a serious medical problem when it is a part of normal breast development.

Noncancerous breast changes

Common, noncancerous (benign) breast changes include:

• Sacs filled with fluids (Reference cysts Opens New Window).
• Reference Generalized breast lumpiness Opens New Window.
• Painless, movable, and firm round lumps (Reference fibroadenomas Opens New Window).
• Damaged fatty tissue (Reference fat necrosis).
• Growths inside the ducts (Reference intraductal papillomas Opens New Window).
• Enlargement of Reference lymph nodes Opens New Window in the breast.
• Breast pain (Reference mastalgia).
• Breast infections (Reference mastitis Opens New Window) or Reference abscesses Opens New Window.
• Reference Nipple discharge.
• Inflamed blood vessels (Reference thrombophlebitis Opens New Window).

Breast changes that need follow-up

Many women with breast pain or breast lumps worry about breast cancer.

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more easily and successfully it can be treated.

There are two common methods of early detection:

• Reference Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can often find tumors that are too small for you or your doctor to feel. Experts do not agree about when or how often women should have mammograms. Some recommend that you begin screening at age 40, and some recommend that you begin screening at age 50. Your doctor may suggest that you have a screening mammogram at a younger age if you have Reference risk factors for breast cancer.
• Reference Clinical breast examination (CBE). During your routine physical exam, your doctor may do a clinical breast exam. During a CBE, your doctor will carefully feel your breasts and under your arms to check for lumps or other unusual changes. Talk to your doctor about whether to have a clinical breast exam.

Reference Breast self-examination (BSE) involves checking your breasts for lumps or changes while standing and lying in different positions and while looking at your breasts in a mirror. Once you know what your breasts normally look and feel like, any new lump or change in appearance should be evaluated by a doctor. Most breast problems or changes are not caused by cancer. But BSE should not be used in place of clinical breast examination and mammography. Studies have not shown that BSE alone reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer.

Early breast cancer is often seen on a Reference mammogram Opens New Window before there are any symptoms. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump. But sometimes painful lumps are cancerous. Other symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Skin changes, such as dimpling or puckering.
• Changes in the color or feel of the breast.
• Nipple discharge.
• Darkening of the area around the nipple.
• A nipple being drawn inward.
• Any breast problem that lasts more than 2 weeks.
• A breast lump in a man.

Breast changes in boys

In men, enlargement of male breast tissue (Reference gynecomastia) is a noncancerous breast change. Breast buds are common in teenage boys during puberty. The buds may last up to 2 years, but they tend to go away within the first year. Breast buds develop because of rapid changes in hormone levels.

Treatment of a breast problem depends on the cause of the problem.

Reference Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.