Breast Cancer

Benign Breast Conditions

What are benign breast conditions?
The breast is made up of two main types of tissue:

glandular tissue - the lobules and ducts of the breast
stromal tissue - the fatty tissue and supporting ligaments

These tissues in any area of the breast can undergo changes that cause diseases or disorders, such as breast cancers or benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions.

The most common of the benign breast conditions are:

fibrocystic changes
benign breast tumors
breast inflammation

Benign breast conditions are very common and are usually not life-threatening. According to the American Cancer Society, these conditions can be found in nine out of ten women. Although rarely, some benign conditions are associated with a later risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast evaluation procedures:
It is important to determine whether the problems are due to benign breast conditions or breast cancer.

What you can do:

Follow the routine three-step plan for breast health.
See your doctor as soon as you notice any change in your breasts.

What your physician may do:

Perform a complete physical examination to:

locate any lump and feel its texture, size, and relationship to the skin and chest muscles

look for changes in the nipples or the skin of the breast

check lymph nodes under the armpit and above the collarbones

Request imaging tests, including:

diagnostic mammography to look for masses and calcifications

breast ultrasound to further evaluate information from the physical examination or mammography

Request a laboratory microscopic examination of discharge from nipples.

Request a ductogram x-ray of the nipples.

Request a biopsy of tissue removed from the suspicious area.

What are the types of biopsy?

image-guided biopsies - those aided by ultrasound or other imaging techniques, including:

fine needle aspiration - a very fine needle is guided into the suspicious area and a small sample of the tissue is removed.

core needle biopsy - a larger needle is guided into the lump to remove a small cylinder of tissue.

surgical biopsy - a surgical procedure is used to remove all or part of a lump.

How are benign breast conditions treated?
Specific treatment for benign breast disease will be determined by your physician(s) based on:

your overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment is usually based on treating the symptoms, and may include medications, diet changes, or minor surgical procedures.