Breast diseases

1. Benign Breast Conditions

These are non-cancerous conditions that affect the breast. Many of them are quite common and may require monitoring or treatment depending on their severity.

Fibrocystic Breast Changes

• Description: This is a common condition where the breast tissue becomes lumpy or dense, often due to hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle. Fibrocystic changes can cause tenderness, swelling, and the development of lumps that fluctuate in size.
• Symptoms:
  • Lumps or thickened areas in the breasts
  • Breast pain or tenderness, especially before menstruation
  • Changes in the texture of the breast tissue
• Treatment: Typically, fibrocystic breast changes don’t require medical treatment, though over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen) may help with discomfort. In some cases, wearing a supportive bra or applying warm or cold compresses may alleviate symptoms.

Breast Cysts

• Description: A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms within the breast tissue. Cysts are common, particularly in women aged 30-50. They can vary in size, may feel soft or firm, and sometimes cause discomfort or tenderness.
• Symptoms:
  • A palpable lump, often round or oval in shape
  • Tenderness or pain, especially around the time of menstruation
  • Some cysts may be painless
• Treatment: Most cysts are benign and require no treatment unless they cause pain. If a cyst is large or painful, it may be drained using a needle. In some cases, if a cyst is recurrent or suspicious, further testing (such as ultrasound or biopsy) may be recommended.

Fibroadenoma

• Description: A fibroadenoma is a solid, non-cancerous tumor made of glandular and fibrous tissue. It is one of the most common types of benign breast lumps, especially in young women.
• Symptoms:
  • A firm, smooth, round, and movable lump in the breast
  • Typically painless
• Treatment: In many cases, fibroadenomas are monitored over time to ensure they do not grow or change. If they become large or cause discomfort, they may be surgically removed, but treatment is often not necessary unless they cause symptoms.

Mastitis

• Description: Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that typically occurs during breastfeeding (though it can occur in non-lactating women). It is caused by bacteria entering through a cracked nipple or milk duct.
• Symptoms:
  • Redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected breast
  • Pain or tenderness in the breast
  • Flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills
  • Pus or milk leakage from the nipple
• Treatment: Mastitis is usually treated with antibiotics to clear the infection. If an abscess (pus-filled pocket) forms, it may need to be drained. Breastfeeding should generally continue, but pain relief and proper nursing techniques are important.

Nipple Discharge (Non-Milk)

• Description: Discharge from the nipple that is not related to breastfeeding can be due to several benign conditions, including duct ectasia, benign papillomas, or hormonal changes.
• Symptoms:
  • Unilateral (one breast) or bilateral (both breasts) discharge
  • Discharge may be clear, milky, yellow, or bloody
• Treatment: Treatment depends on the cause of the discharge. If it’s related to a benign condition, no treatment may be necessary. If the discharge is bloody or persistent, further investigation (such as a ductogram, ultrasound, or biopsy) may be required.