Benign breast lumps are noncancerous and can be caused by natural changes in breast tissue, hormonal fluctuations, breast injury, or breast infections. The most common types are fibroadenomas, intraductal papillomas, fibrocystic changes, simple cysts, traumatic fat necrosis, and gynecomastia in men. Most benign lumps require no treatment and will resolve on their own.
Benign breast lumps are noncancerous lumps caused by changes in the breast tissue. They can occur in one or both breasts and may be slightly displaced when pressed. Most benign nodules require no treatment and will resolve on their own. Benign breast lumps can be caused by natural changes in breast tissue, hormone levels, breast injury, or breast infections.
The most common type of benign breast lumps are fibroadenomas. These lumps occur when the breast tissue has too many milk-producing glands, called lobules. Fibroadenomas are round, painless lumps that usually appear in women in their twenties and thirties. African American women are more likely to have fibroadenomas.
Intraductal papillomas are small growths in the lining of the milk ducts. They can cause breast lumps under the nipple and can lead to bleeding or nipple discharge. Intraductal papillomas should not be treated unless they become painful. They tend to occur more often in middle-aged women.
During menstrual cycles, some women may experience fibrocystic changes in the breasts that cause hard lumps. Fibrocystic breast changes are caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. The breasts may become firmer and lumpier to the touch before menstrual bleeding begins. Fibrocystic breast changes are most common in women in their 40s, but become less likely once women enter menopause.
Another type of benign breast lump that can occur during the menstrual cycle are simple cysts, small sacs that contain fluid and tend to vary in size. Depending on hormonal changes, a woman may have several simple cysts at the same time. Simple cysts can be tender or painful during your period, but they will disappear once your hormone levels return to normal.
Traumatic fat necrosis is a condition in which benign lumps in the breast are caused by sudden injury or trauma to the breast. The trauma causes fat to develop in the breasts in hard lumps. Nodules caused by traumatic fat necrosis are usually painless and go away on their own without treatment.
Breast infections can cause benign breast lumps. A common breast infection is mastitis, a condition in which the milk ducts become blocked and infected. It is more prevalent in breastfeeding women. Mastitis can cause breast lumps, redness, and pain, but it can be treated with antibiotics.
Even men can experience benign breast lumps. Gynecomastia is a condition in which males experience abnormal breast enlargement as well as tenderness and lumps under the nipples. It can be caused by hormonal imbalances or medications containing steroids or estrogen. Gynecomastia can go away on its own or can be treated surgically.
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