Breast Diseases and Conditions

When many women think of breast disease, they think of breast cancer. But there are many other diseases and conditions of which women need to be aware. Each breast has 15 to 20 sections, called lobes, each with many smaller lobules. The lobules end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. Lobes, lobules and bulbs are all linked by thin tubes called ducts. These ducts lead to the nipple, which is centered in a dark area of breast skin called the areola. The areola also has oil-producing glands that secrete a lubricant to make breastfeeding easier. The spaces between the lobules and ducts are filled with fat. There are no muscles in the breast, but muscles lie under each breast and cover the ribs.

These normal features can sometimes make the breasts feel lumpy. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says this is especially true in women who are thin or who have small breasts. A woman's breasts also change each month, with her menstrual cycle. The breasts also change as a woman gets older. Common breast changes fall into several broad categories. These include generalized breast changes, solitary lumps, nipple discharge, and infection and/or inflammation.

Let’s consider some of the diseases and conditions that affect the breasts.

Benign breast disease

Benign breast disease is known by several names including:

1 - lumpiness or generalized breast lumpiness

2 - fibrocystic changes or fibrocystic disease

3 - mammary dysplasia

Breast lumpiness, which is sometimes described as "ropy" or "granular," can often be felt in the area around the nipple and areola and in the upper-outer part of the breast. Such lumpiness may become more obvious as a woman approaches middle age and the milk-producing glandular tissue of her breasts increasingly gives way to soft, fatty tissue. Unless she is taking replacement hormones, this type of lumpiness generally disappears for good after menopause.

There are times when this condition becomes more noticeable. For example, during the menstrual cycle, many women experience swelling, tenderness and pain before and sometimes during their periods. At the same time, one or more lumps or a feeling of increased lumpiness may develop because of extra fluid collecting in the breast tissue. Pregnancy also can bring changes. During pregnancy, the milk-producing glands become swollen and the breasts may feel lumpier than usual.

NCI says that the majority of breast lumps are benign, that means they are not cancerous. Even so, it is important that any woman, who notices a lump or change in her breast, see her HCP. Although benign lumps rarely, if ever, turn into cancer, according to NCI, cancerous lumps can develop near benign lumps and can be hidden on a mammogram. Even if you have had a benign lump removed in the past, you cannot be sure any new lump is also benign.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant or potentially life-threatening tumor.

Breast cysts

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) say they occur most often in women ages 35 to 50, and they often enlarge and become tender and painful just before the menstrual period. They are usually found in both breasts. Some cysts are so small they cannot be felt; rarely, cysts may be several inches across. Cysts often show up clearly on ultrasound.

Although a cyst is not cancer, it's important for a woman who notices any lump or change to see her HCP. According to NIH, when a cyst is suspected, some doctors proceed directly with aspiration, a procedure that uses a very thin needle and a syringe. Sometimes, the cyst will disappear after that. If the lump turns out to be solid, it may be possible to use the needle to biopsy or withdraw a clump of cells, which can then be sent to a laboratory for further testing.

Fat necrosis

Fat necrosis is the name given to painless, round, and firm lumps formed by damaged and disintegrating fatty tissues. This condition typically occurs in obese women with very large breasts, according to NIH. It often develops in response to trauma, such as a bruise or blow to the breast, even though the woman may not remember the specific injury. Sometimes the skin around the lumps looks red or bruised. Again, it is important that any women who notices a lump or change in her breast, sees her HCP.

Fibroadenomas

Fibroadenomas are solid and round benign tumors that are made up of both structural (fibro-) and glandular (-adenoma) tissues. Usually, these lumps are painless and found by the woman herself. They feel rubbery and can easily be moved around. Fibroadenomas are the most common type of tumors in women in their late teens and early twenties, and NIH says they occur twice as often in African American women as in other American women

Fibroadenomas have a typically benign appearance on mammography (smooth, round masses with a clearly defined edge), and they can sometimes be diagnosed with fine needle aspiration. Although fibroadenomas do not become malignant, they can enlarge with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Again, it is essential that a woman, who notices a lump or other change, sees her HCP.

Galactorrhea

Galactorrhea occurs when a woman's breast makes milk even though she is not breastfeeding a baby. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says this may occur when the breasts are touched, or it may start spontaneously. Men can have galactorrhea, too, but it is much less common. Causes can include hormonal imbalance, medications such as hormones, antidepressants, or blood pressure medicines, pregnancy, pituitary tumor, and a number of other causes. The condition can go away on its own. Again, however, it is essential that a woman, who notices changes or discharge, sees her HCP.

Hyperplasia/atypical hyperplasia

Recent studies show that certain very specific types of microscopic changes put a woman at higher risk of developing breast cancer, according to NCI. These changes feature excessive cell growth, or hyperplasia. NCI says hyperplasia can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Approximately 5 percent of benign breast biopsies reveal both excessive cell growth, i.e. hyperplasia, plus cells that are abnormal (atypical). The location of these abnormal cells can be in the lobules (atypical lobular hyperplasia) or the milk ducts (atypical ductal hyperplasia). A diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia moderately increases breast cancer risk. If a biopsy finds hyperplasia, surgery can remove the abnormal cells, and also determine if in situ or invasive cancer is also present. Since atypical hyperplasia increases your risk of developing breast cancer, it is essential that you continue to monitor your breasts with regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. Depending on your other risk factors and family history your doctor may also want to use magnetic resonance imaging for screening. Your doctor may also suggest preventive medications to inhibit the effect of estrogen on your breast tissue.