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5 Breast Changes that Aren't Breast Cancer
Benign Breast Health Changes
While finding a lump or noticing changes in your breasts can be scary, it's important to know that most breast problems are not cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, common benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions like cysts, fibroadenomas, and infections are experienced by more women than breast cancer.
5 Breast Changes that Aren't Breast Cancer
Here are 5 common breast health problems that are not breast cancer:
- Fibrocystic changes: This condition causes the breast tissue to feel lumpy or rope-like. It's very common, affecting more than half of all women at some point. These changes are related to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and are not linked to increased cancer risk.
- Mastitis: This is an infection of the breast tissue that most often affects breastfeeding women. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the breast. Antibiotics are usually needed to clear the infection.
- Nipple discharge: Many women experience some nipple discharge, which is usually not a sign of cancer, especially if it comes out of both nipples. Common causes include hormonal changes, certain medications, and benign growths in the milk ducts. However, bloody discharge from one nipple should always be evaluated by a doctor.
- Breast calcifications: These are small calcium deposits that show up as white spots on a mammogram. Most calcifications are benign and do not need treatment. However, certain patterns can be an early sign of cancer, so additional imaging or biopsy may be recommended.
- Intraductal papillomas: These are small, wart-like growths that develop in the milk ducts near the nipple. They may cause clear or bloody nipple discharge but are not cancerous. Treatment involves surgically removing the affected duct.While these breast problems are not life-threatening like cancer, it's still important to have any new breast symptom checked out by a healthcare provider. Routine screenings and prompt evaluation of breast changes are key to catching cancer early if it does develop.
When Should I see my Doctor?
It's important to see your doctor if you notice any concerning changes in your breasts, even if they turn out to be harmless.
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience a new lump or mass in your breast, changes in the size or shape of your breast, dimpling or puckering of the skin, nipple changes like crusting or discharge, or persistent breast pain.
While these symptoms are more often caused by benign conditions, it's always best to get them checked out promptly. Your doctor can order imaging tests like a mammogram or ultrasound to determine if a breast change is noncancerous or requires further evaluation with a biopsy.
Catching breast cancer early through routine screening and timely workup of symptoms greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. So don't hesitate to advocate for your breast health by contacting your doctor about any changes that seem abnormal for you.
