Lumps in breasts are quite common in many women. Many of the lumps or nodules that women find in their breasts are areas of normal breast tissue which can become more prominent just before a period, according to Dr Musaa Faisal Hamadi, Specialist General Surgeon, Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah.
Lumpy breasts are called fibrocystic disease or fibroadenosis. “It is now known that lumpy breasts are not diseased breasts but are normal and it is estimated that at least half of all women are affected by lumpy breasts at some time in their lives,” he said.
According to the doctor, the two common causes of breast lumps are fibroadenomas and cysts. “Fibroadenomas are not strictly speaking disease at all but a simple overgrowth of the lobules or the leaf of the breast tree (tissue). They are most common in women under the age of 30,” he explained.
Fibroadenomas move freely within the breast (termed as breast mouse) and can be diagnosed by a combination of clinical examination, ultrasound and removing cells with a needle (needle aspiration).
“If you have a fibroadenoma, it may not need to be removed. If left alone, at least one in three of these lumps gets smaller or disappears within two years but it definitely needs regular follow up. If you are worried about the lump or it gets bigger, you can opt to have it removed,” said Dr Hamadi.
Cysts are smooth, mobile fluid containing lumps and some are large enough to be seen through the skin, he explained, adding that they may be painful. Cysts are most common in women between the ages of 40 and 50.
“A cyst can be diagnosed by ultrasound or by inserting a needle into the lump. The fluid removed from cysts varies in colour from yellow to green to blue-black. Only if the fluid is bloodstained will it be sent for tests to detect abnormal cells,” explained the expert.
Women who have cysts are at a small increased risk of developing breast cancer, but this risk is not considered significant. Nevertheless, if you find a lump in your breast, you should make an appointment and get it checked by your doctor.
Source : Khaleej Times