Breast lump

Breast lump - Any mass, swelling, or cyst that can be felt in the breast tissue. At least 90 per cent of lumps are noncancerous; the rest are breast cancer. Many women have generally lumpy breasts, with the lumps more obvious in the days before a period.

Once known as fibrocystic disease or fibroadenosis, this is now considered to be a variation of normal. Lumpy breasts do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. However, any new, distinct, or separate lump should be assessed by a doctor. In a young woman, a single lump is most likely to be a
fibroadenoma.

This noncancerous growth is usually round, firm, and rubbery, causes no pain, and can be moved about beneath the skin using the fingertips. In an older woman, a lump is more likely to be a noncancerous, fluid-filled breast cyst.

Regular breast self-examination may detect any changes. Treatment depends on the cause and type of lump. Cysts can be drained in a simple outpatient procedure. Other lumps can be removed surgically.