Breast Lumps Aren’t Always Signs of Breast Cancer

Finding a lump in your breast can be very scary, and you should see your doctor right away, but it’s important to remember that breast lumps aren’t necessarily signs of breast cancer.

Around 3% of women will visit their doctor during any given year because of breast lumps, breast pain or breast changes. Of all the breast lumps detected, 90% turn out not to be breast cancer.

Most non-cancerous (benign) breast lumps won’t require treatment but you should still see your doctor as soon as possible, as well as checking yourself for other signs of breast cancer.

Check yourself for signs of breast cancer.

Common Causes of Benign Breast Lumps

Hormone changes are the most common cause of breast lumps. Fluctuating hormone levels can cause breasts to feel lumpy or swollen. This is especially common in teenagers, during menstruation, during the menopause, whilst taking the contraceptive pill, and whilst taking HRT.

Here are some other reasons women experience benign breast lumps:

• Mastitis or inflammation of the breast
• Dilated milk ducts
• Scarring of breast tissue due to surgery
• Breast trauma following injury
• A fibroadenoma tumor (common in younger women)
• A cyst (common in pre-menopausal women and those on HRT)
• Fibrocystic breast disease (common in pre-menopausal women)
• A breast abscess
• A lipoma or fatty growth
• An intraductal papilloma (a growth in a milk duct)
• A blood clot or hematoma

Even if you suspect your breast lump may fall into one of the above categories you should still check for other signs of breast cancer and consult your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis.

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