Lumpy breasts are often due to the normal structure of the breast, but can also be caused by fibrocystic breast disease, pregnancy, mastitis, or breast cancer. Women should complete breast self-examinations to detect abnormalities early and seek medical attention if any new lumps or discharge are found.
Under examination, many women find that they have lumpy breasts. This lump is most often due to the normal structure of the breast. The breasts are made up of different types of glands and ligaments, which contribute to the formation of lumps in the breast tissue. A female breast lump often changes with a woman’s menstrual cycle, as a direct result of changes in the levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. However, several diseases and conditions can also cause breast lumps.
A common reason for lumpy breasts is a condition called fibrocystic breast disease. This condition is characterized by small, fluid-filled lumps, usually found in the breasts of women between the ages of thirty and fifty. These lumps can be painful but are generally not cancerous. The cause of fibrocystic breast disease is unknown and there is currently no cure. Patients can manage symptoms by monitoring caffeine and fat intake, as well as wearing a well-fitting bra.
Pregnancy and lumpy breasts also go hand in hand. All the hormones that pass through a woman’s body during pregnancy can cause structural changes in the woman’s breasts. Some of these changes may be due to blocked milk ducts, which are characterized by hard, red, tender lumps on the breasts that can be relieved by warm compresses. After giving birth, nursing mothers can also develop mastitis, a painful breast infection that is also caused by blockage of the milk ducts. Early medical treatment combined with antibiotics or acetaminophen can help prevent a breast abscess from developing.
Lumpy breasts can also be caused by breast cancer. Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells within the breast tissue and the resulting tumor can sometimes feel like a lump. Many causes of breast cancer are unknown, but high risk factors can be obesity, hormones or tobacco use. If left untreated, breast cancer is usually fatal. If caught early, it can usually be treated through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or removal of the affected breast.
Because lumpy breasts are often the first sign of a serious condition, women are advised to complete breast self-examination to detect breast abnormalities early. Standing in front of a mirror with her breasts in full view, a woman should check for any new signs of swelling, dimpling, or redness. Next, the woman should use her fingertips to feel the breast for new lumps or discharge. Each of these processes should be done with the arms in multiple positions to get a better breast assessment. If new lumps, bumps, or discharge are found, the woman should make an appointment with a doctor right away to determine the cause.
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