Every month on the first, many breast cancer organizations and non-profits recommend doing a self-exam on your breasts. Not only does this help you become more familiar with your breasts and body, but it also helps you understand if your body changes. Did you know that around 80% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer found the breast anomalies themselves? This means that almost 8 in 10 women advocated for themselves and their breasts, knowing that something might be off. But what happens if you find an abnormality, and it’s not breast cancer? These conditions have another name: benign breast conditions. Here’s what you need to know about them.
What are benign breast conditions?
Simply put, benign breast conditions are non-cancerous conditions that many women have. In fact, did you know that most breast changes and differences are benign? Many women have “lumpy” breasts, different sized breasts, and more. While it’s always important to self-exam your breasts and keep up with your mammograms, some changes and “abnormalities” aren’t causes for concern in many cases. However, there are a few benign conditions that may be linked to higher risks of getting breast cancer later, and we will go over those.
Here are just a few benign breast conditions that women may have.
Cysts
Many breast lumps are fluid-filled pockets more commonly known as cysts. Reports show that upward of 50% of women have breasts cysts, so this is a common benign breast condition. Cysts will often go away without needing treatment.
Fibroadenomas
Fibroadenomas are the most common breast tumors that are non-cancerous found in women between the ages of 15 and 35. These tumors are composed of glandular and fibrous tissue, and are usually painless except during menstruation. The lump in the breast is usually firm, smooth, and movable, but may grow in size and can be removed it starts causing problems. These tumors do not seem to increase the risks of developing breast cancer.
Sclerosing Adenosis
Sclerosing Adenosis, like cancer, can be seen on a mammogram. Oftentimes, it may be mistaken for breast cancer because it has a similar distorted shape and is made up of small breast lumps in a lobule of the breast. It may also be painful, and patients typically claim that they can feel a lump. With Adenosis, you may need to have a breast biopsy to rule out breast cancer. However, Adenosis itself doesn’t need treatment
Sclerosing adenosis and breast cancer risk
Some studies have found sclerosing adenosis is linked to a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, while others have found no link between the two [43-44].
Fibrocystic breast changes
If you have fluctuating hormone levels, your breasts may feel lumpy, dense, and tender before and during menstruation. Many women between the ages of 30-50 are likely to experience these changes, but they typically go away without treatment. These breast changes aren’t linked with an increased breast cancer risk.
Intraductal papilloma
These small, wart-like growths form inside your mammary duct near your nipple. Intraductal papilloma may cause nipple discharge. The condition most commonly affects people with a vagina between the ages of 30 to 50. Your risk of cancer goes up if you have five or more papillomas at one time. Surgery can remove these growths and reduce your cancer risk.
Hyperplasia
Hyperplasia happens when there is an overgrowth of cells that line your mammary ducts or glands. If you’re diagnosed with typical hyperplasia, there is a slight increased breast cancer risk, but it doesn’t require surgery. If you’re diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia, a doctor may offer to surgically remove the affected breast tissue to reduce your risk of later developing breast cancer.
Mammary duct ectasia
You are more prone to mammary duct ectasia once you’ve reached menopause. This can cause your milk ducts to swell, thicken and even become blocked and your nipple could turn inward or leak discharge. Sometimes you’ll hear doctors call it periductal mastitis. While this won’t increase your breast cancer risks, you may need antibiotics if you get a bacterial infection that’s causing the inflammation.
Traumatic fat necrosis
If you’ve ever had a breast injury, surgery, or radiation therapy, you may have scar tissue where the breast tissue has been damaged. This is called traumatic fat necrosis. It doesn’t increase your breast cancer risks and usually doesn’t need treatment.
Mastitis
Mastitis is the inflammation or swelling in one or both breasts, and it can be incredibly painful. Your breast may look red, feel warm, and pressure makes it tender. It’s usually caused by infections, and is often found in women who are breastfeeding. This is because their milk ducts will become clogged. Typically, treatment will consist of antibiotics and/or abscess drainage or surgery if needed. Luckily, mastitis is not linked with an increased risk of breast cancer.
How common are these conditions?
These conditions are incredibly common! Around 50% of women will experience some type of benign breast condition, although the most common ones are cysts and fibroadenomas. Men can also have benign breast conditions, although it tends to be much less likely.
What are the causes?
There is no general cause for these conditions. For some women, it’s simply genetic. For others, it can be completely random. But, some of the more known potential reasons include;
- Hormonal changes and changes in breast tissue
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- A breast infection
- Scar tissue from a breast injury, surgery, or radiation
- Medication use, like birth control or hormone replacement therapy
For men, obesity, certain medications, and hormonal balances can also play a part.
What are some potential symptoms?
This is where benign breast conditions are fairly similar to breast cancer, and why it’s so important to double check with a professional if you experience any of the following symptoms, or find something abnormal when performing a self-exam.
Just a few potential symptoms you may have include;
- Pain in your breast (or breasts)
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness or skin irritation
- Discharge (not milk)
- A lump that can be felt through the nipple or skin
- Nipple retraction
- Flu like symptoms that accompany any of the above symptoms
- Small white calcium deposits
- Hardening of spots on the breast
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it may be time to check in with your doctor.
How are they diagnosed?
Benign breast conditions are often diagnosed after you see your healthcare provider and they order one (or more) of the following tests;
- A mammogram
- An ultrasound
- A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Breast biopsy (fine needle or excisional)
Usually, a mammogram will be the first step after you’ve listed your symptoms, and then other tests will follow.
Are there complications?
For most of the conditions we’ve talked about, there should be no long-term complications. However, certain types may make you more at risk for developing breast cancer later on. If this is the case, your doctor will typically recommend surgery or extra monitoring in the future.
Can this happen to you more than once?
Yes, you can go through multiple benign breast conditions or go through the same one multiple times. For example, if you have multiple children, you may have mastitis more than once. Or, you may get multiple cysts, or experience fibrocystic breast changes and cysts in your lifetime. However, it is rare for any of these to be a huge cause of concern.
Can you prevent benign breast conditions?
While you can do everything right and still have something like a cyst or mastitis, there are quite a few things you can do to reduce your risk.
This includes;
- Quitting smoking (or not smoking at all)
- Little to no alcohol
- Decreasing your caffeine intake
- Wearing well-fitted bras
- Avoiding underwire bras
- Having regular mammogram screenings
- Completing self-exams regularly (we recommend at least once a month!)
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a well-balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, fiber, and antioxidants
- Hormone replacement therapy (if needed)
- Switching to a non-hormonal birth control (if needed)
Many of these steps can also help lower your cancer risk and help you to detect breast cancer earlier, if it occurs.
Can benign breast conditions turn cancerous?
As we’ve noted, many of these benign breast conditions are harmless and are more of a nuisance than a painful condition. However, in some cases, like Hyperplasia, your risk for breast cancer may increase. Being diagnosed with a breast condition like that may mean speaking with your doctor about your potential increased risks.
Benign Breast Conditions: Nothing To Be Afraid Of!
As you can see, there are many conditions that may seem like breast cancer or cause some discomfort from time to time, but overall, many are harmless and will either clear up on their own or require a quick round of antibiotics. Of course, if you notice a change in your breast(s) at any time, it’s essential to go see your doctor to rule out any potential problems. But overall, you know your body best, and you shouldn’t be afraid of any of these conditions!
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