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.

• Breast fibrocystic disease
• Breast fibrosis
• Gynecomastia; differential diagnosis in breast cancer screening in men.

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.

• Hematoma
• Breast cellulitis
• Fat necrosis of the breast
• Radiation induced skin reactions; radio-dermatitis
• Breast seroma
• Lipoma of the breast
• Collagenous Spherulosis of the breast
• Mucinous Spherulosis of the breast
• Duct ectasia
• Periductal Mastitis, as a unique category of duct ectasia.

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.

• Breast Cysts
• Complex or complicated cysts or cystic masses
• Breast mastitis
• Epidermoid breast cysts
• Breast sebaceous cyst
• Galactoceles of the breast
• Breast Abscess
• Clustered microcysts of the breast
• Pilar breast cyst
• Zuska's disease- a form of breast mastitis

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.

• Breast tissue microcalcification
• Dystrophic breast calcifications
• Vascular calcifications in the breast
• Epidermal and dermal breast calcifications

Further Reading

• Main Index of ALL our Articles on Types of Breast Cancer
• Index of ALL our Articles on Breast Cancer Screening
• ALL our Articles on Breast Cancer Survival and Incidence Rates
• ALL our Articles on Breast Cancer Treatment

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