The breasts can develop various types of disorders. Not all changes or lumps in the breast tissue mean
that you have breast cancer. In fact, the vast majority of breast conditions are not cancerous. But if
you find an abnormality or notice any changes, you should talk to your doctor. Some of the commonly
occurring types of breast disorders are illustrated in the drawing below.
Fibroadenomas are fibrous, benign (noncancerous) growths in breast tissue. These growths are solid,
usually painless lumps that are not attached to any structures in the breast. A fibroadenoma is
usually removed surgically, using a local anesthetic.
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. The cause of breast cysts is unknown. In the vast majority of cases,
cysts are not harmful, although they may cause pain. Cysts disappear sometimes by themselves, or
your doctor may draw out the fluid with a needle.
A breast abscess is a collection of pus, resulting from an infection. Symptoms may include tenderness
and inflammation. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat the infection, and your doctor may drain the pus.
Fibrocystic breast disease is a common condition characterized by an increase in the fibrous and
glandular tissues in the breasts, which results in small, nodular cysts, noncancerous lumpiness,
and tenderness. Although called a "disease," this condition is not a disease. There is no specific
treatment for fibrocystic disease. Treatment of the cysts may be all that is needed (see Cysts above).
A tumor that is precancerous or cancerous usually shows up as a white area on a mammogram even before
it can be felt. In cases where the tumor is cancerous, it may appear as a white area with radiating
arms. A cancerous tumor may have no symptoms or may cause swelling, tenderness, discharge from the
nipple or indentation of the nipple, or a dimpled appearance in the skin over the tumor (see inset).
A breast biopsy is helpful in determining whether a mass is cancerous.
Illustration provided by: Leslie Laurien, MSMI
Copyright 1995-2002 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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