We
are all well aware of how important it is to regularly check our
breasts for any unusual bumps, thanks to countless public information
drives that have made breast cancer a top health concern for women. Yet,
one downside to this widespread concern is that we can become overly
despondent when we believe we have found a lump.
But the reassuring truth is that what you may fear to be cancerous is in fact something totally normal and benign. According to Sherry Ross,
MD, ob-gyn, women's health expert at Providence Saint John's Health
Center in Santa Monica, checking for lumps isn’t “just about breast
cancer.” She says: "Getting to know your breast tissue and being
familiar with what is normal for you will help you know when something
is abnormal."
So, just to help give yourself some perspective, here are 5 non-cancerous reasons why you may find lumps on your breasts.
NOTE: Breast
cancer is considered very treatable, if you catch it early. Therefore,
whenever you believe you have found a lump of any kind, do book yourself
in for an immediate appointment with a doctor, whatever your age might
be, to find out whether it's genuinely benign or not.
1. Your breasts are dense
Your
breasts are made up of a certain ratio of fatty and connective tissues,
which varies from woman to woman. Some women have more connective and
less fatty tissue than others, making their breast denser. According to Parvin F. Peddi, MD, of the UCLA division of hematology and oncology, "some young women have dense breasts that can feel lumpy."
It’s been found
that two thirds of pre-menopausal women and a quarter of
post-menopausal women have dense breasts that may be difficult to
examine accurately on a normal mammogram. In such women breast cancer
detection is more difficult. Therefore, Peddi says that it’s important
to regularly examine your breasts so you can understand their usual
appearance, then if anything changes you will be aware more quickly.
2. Your breasts have non-cancerous tumors
According to ACS, the American Cancer Society,
Fibroadenoma – made up of connective and glandular tissue - are benign
tumors that women aged between 20 and 40 can be prone to. These come in a
variety of sizes, though their appearance is usually firm, smooth,
rubbery with a marble like shape. Even though they are harmless, doctors
may advise removing them if they get too large or numerous.
3. Your breast have fibroses or cysts
60%
of women may be affected by breast tissue changes grouped together
under the name fibrocystic. These changes are also totally benign and
non-cancerous. Fibroses are rubbery, hard, firm, and dense collections
of tissue, which resemble the tissue which makes up ligaments and scar
tissue.
Cysts are round, fluid-filled
bumps that are particularly common in women over 40. They can get tender
around the time of your period, but they never really go away. You can
improve their condition by cutting out nicotine and caffeine.
4. Your breasts have a blood clot
Mondor’s
disease, although rare, should also be considered a possible benign
cause of breast lumps. This lump will feel cord-like and hardened. It
could also be quite painful. It's actually a type of blood clot, known
as a superficial thrombophlebitis, in the vein below your skin. It could
occur in any breast vein, but is more common on the outer region or
below the nipple.
This may be caused by wearing a
bra that’s too tight, violent trauma to the breast area, or excessive
exercise. The clot will usually go away by itself.
5. You are having your period
Your menstrual cycle brings
with it hormones that actually increase the amount of fluid in your
chest, which then enlarges your breasts. This expansion may be perceived
as lumps that you know were not there before, but they are certainly
not cancerous and will go away after your cycle ends.
