Breast Cancer - Moose and Doc

A breast cancer explanations website

 

By Dr. Halls

Index of Posts about the Benign Breast Tumor

So, there are many common breast lesions that women commonly have at some point in their life.  However, these lumps usually have nothing to do with cancer.  A benign breast tumor is rather more to do with normal biological body processes.

Sometimes these miscellaneous lesions produce symptoms similar to breast cancer.  Such symptoms can include:-

  • a lump
  • nipple discharge or sore
  • tenderness or pain in the breast

These symptoms can cause initial anxiety about potential breast cancer.  Furthermore,  screening mammography detects many miscellaneous, benign breast tumors. 

This can also raise concerns about the possibility of breast cancer.  However, doctors will rule out breast cancer by follow up imaging studies or biopsy.

Fibrous (fibroepithelial) breast tumors

Family physicians commonly see fibroepithelial lesions of the breast in clinical practice.  A combination of prominent stroma and varying glandular elements make up these sort of masses.

The Miscellaneous Benign Breast Tumor.

Sometimes women can develop a variety of breast conditions as a result of normal biological changes. Such changes can include:-

  • pregnancy
  • complications following surgery
  • anatomical structures that are not functioning properly
  • no particular reason.

Breast Cysts and Abscesses

A breast cyst or abscess will be the eventual diagnosis for a large percentage of women seeking evaluation for a breast lump.

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the breast and can be quite painful.   Normal hormonal fluctuations to do with menstruation are a common cause of cysts. 

This is why breast cysts are very unusual in older women post-menopause.

Breast abscesses are small pockets of infection and are quite common for women whilst breastfeeding.

The Benign Breast Tumor: Calcifications and other cellular breast changes

Calcifications are frequently visible on breast mammograms and can cause concern about potential breast cancers.

Whilst it is true that breast cancer can cause certain patterns of microcalcifications, they are more likely to be caused by normal, benign, biological processes.

Further Reading

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About Steven Halls

Dr Halls has 25 years experience as a radiologist. He worked for 13 years at Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, a world-class cancer treatment facility. He has had high-volume experience with cancer, interventional procedures, clinical trials and his own phase 1 and 2 research in MRI and breast cancer staging.