Benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions are unusual growths or other changes in the breast tissue that are not cancer. Because the symptoms typically match those of breast cancer, having a benign breast ailment can be frightening at first. You or your doctor may detect a lump or notice nipple discharge, or your mammogram may reveal something that necessitates further investigation.
Signs and symptoms of benign breast conditions –
A benign breast ailment can cause a noticeable growth or lump, which can be felt through the skin. It could also be something unexpected discovered during a mammography check.
If you have symptoms, they are almost similar to Breast Cancer –
- Breast discomfort, edema, and/or soreness
- A bulge or lump that may be felt through the skin
- Rashes on the skin
- On the nipple and/or breast skin, there is redness or scaling.
- Nipple discomfort or retraction (when a portion of the nipple seems puckered or pulled)
- Breast discharge that is not milk
Diagnosis of benign breast conditions
Many of the tests and methods used to diagnose a benign breast condition are also used to diagnose breast cancer. The following are the objectives of diagnosis:
A breast physical exam and medical history: Your doctor examines the breasts, paying close attention to the area or areas where there is a lump or other unusual change. He or she also takes a complete medical history, including your current and previous symptoms, general breast health, and any risk factors for breast cancer.
Imaging tests: The most commonly used tests are mammography, an X-ray examination of the breast, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the breast tissue.
Ultrasound is a good tool for telling the difference between lumps that are fluid-filled (called cysts) and those that are solid (which can indicate cancer or another benign breast condition, such as fibroadenoma). A breast MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging scan, may also be done if other imaging tests don’t provide enough information.
Biopsy
Biopsy involves removing a tissue sample and examining it under a microscope. Typically you would have a core needle biopsy, which removes slivers of tissue, or an excisional biopsy, which removes abnormal tissue from the area.
Read more – Breastcancer.org
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