What are the common causes of pea-sized breast lumps. How can you differentiate between benign and cancerous lumps. When should you consult a doctor about a breast lump. What diagnostic tests are used to evaluate breast lumps.

Understanding Breast Anatomy and Lumps

Breasts are complex structures composed of various tissues, including fat, nerves, blood vessels, fibrous connective tissue, and glandular tissue. This intricate anatomy naturally creates a lumpy, uneven terrain. However, a distinct lump in the breast sets itself apart from this background of normal irregularities.

Breast lumps can vary in size, texture, and mobility. They may be:

• As small as a pea or smaller
• Several inches across (though this is rare)
• Solid and unmovable, like a dried bean
• Soft, movable, and fluid-filled, rolling between the fingers like a grape

Benign vs. Cancerous Breast Lumps: Key Differences

While discovering a breast lump can be alarming, it’s important to note that 80 to 85 percent of breast lumps are benign, especially in women under 40. However, understanding the differences between benign and cancerous lumps is crucial.

Mobility

One key factor in distinguishing between benign and cancerous lumps is mobility. A fluid-filled lump that moves easily under the skin is generally less likely to be cancerous than a hard, immovable lump that feels rooted in place.

Pain

Another distinguishing factor is pain. Breast cancer typically does not cause pain, while benign conditions sometimes do. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, inflammatory breast cancer, a rare form of the disease, may cause symptoms such as aching, tenderness, pain, or burning in the breast.

Diagnostic Tests

The only definitive way to determine the nature of a breast lump is through medical tests, which may include:

• Ultrasound
• Mammogram
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA)

Common Causes of Benign Breast Lumps

Most benign breast lumps are related to hormonal fluctuations, menstrual cycles, and fluid buildup. Other causes may include plugged milk ducts, infections, or breast injuries. Women who have never had children, those with irregular menstrual cycles, or those with a family history of breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing benign breast conditions.

Fibrocystic Changes

Fibrocystic changes affect at least half of all women and cause a general lumpiness in the breast tissue. Symptoms may include:

• Tender, fibrous, rubbery tissue
• Thickening of tissue
• Round, fluid-filled cysts

These changes are often related to hormonal fluctuations and may increase as women approach middle age. They typically disappear with menopause. To ease symptoms, doctors may recommend limiting salt and caffeine consumption or prescribe birth control pills.

Cysts

Cysts are round or oval sacs, often measuring one to two inches across. They may be tender to the touch and filled with fluid. Cysts can come and go with the menstrual cycle, becoming larger and more tender at the beginning of the period and disappearing at the end.

To confirm the presence of a cyst, doctors may order an ultrasound or perform a fine needle aspiration. In rare cases where a cyst is particularly large or painful, a doctor may use a needle to withdraw fluid from the cyst for relief.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Breast Lumps

While most breast lumps are benign, it’s essential to know when to consult a healthcare professional. You should seek medical attention if:

• You discover a new lump that persists after your menstrual cycle
• A previously evaluated lump grows or changes in any way
• You experience unusual breast pain or discomfort
• You notice changes in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling or redness
• There are changes in your nipple, including inversion or discharge

Remember, early detection is crucial in the treatment of breast cancer. Regular self-exams and professional screenings can help identify potential issues early on.

Diagnostic Procedures for Breast Lumps

When a breast lump requires further evaluation, healthcare providers may use various diagnostic procedures to determine its nature. These procedures may include:

Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue that can detect abnormalities before they become palpable. For women with regular negative mammograms, the odds are higher that a newly discovered lump is benign.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. This non-invasive procedure can help distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)

During an FNA, a thin needle is used to extract a small sample of cells from the lump for laboratory examination. This procedure can help determine whether a lump is fluid-filled or solid and whether it contains cancerous cells.

Biopsy

If initial tests are inconclusive or suggest the possibility of cancer, a biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a small sample of tissue from the lump for detailed microscopic examination.

Risk Factors for Breast Lumps and Breast Cancer

Understanding the risk factors associated with breast lumps and breast cancer can help women make informed decisions about their health. Some common risk factors include:

• Age (risk increases with age)
• Family history of breast cancer
• Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases
• Inherited genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2)
• Dense breast tissue
• Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55)
• Never having children or having first child after age 30
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption

It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean a woman will develop breast cancer. Conversely, some women with no known risk factors may still develop the disease.

Breast Self-Exams and Professional Screenings

Regular breast self-exams and professional screenings play a crucial role in early detection of breast abnormalities. Here are some guidelines for maintaining breast health:

Breast Self-Exams

Women should perform monthly breast self-exams to familiarize themselves with their breast tissue and detect any changes. The best time to do this is a few days after your menstrual period ends when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender.

Clinical Breast Exams

Clinical breast exams performed by a healthcare professional are recommended every one to three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and annually for women 40 and older.

Mammograms

The American Cancer Society recommends that women with average risk of breast cancer should begin annual mammograms at age 45. Women aged 55 and older can switch to mammograms every two years or continue with annual screening.

However, these guidelines may vary based on individual risk factors and personal preferences. It’s important to discuss your screening schedule with your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle Factors and Breast Health

While some risk factors for breast lumps and breast cancer are beyond our control, certain lifestyle choices can promote breast health and overall well-being. Consider incorporating these habits into your routine:

• Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Avoid or quit smoking
• Breastfeed if possible (breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer)
• Limit hormone therapy after menopause
• Stay informed about your family health history
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices

Remember, these lifestyle factors can contribute to overall health and may help reduce the risk of various health conditions, including breast cancer.

Coping with Breast Lump Anxiety

Discovering a breast lump can be a source of significant anxiety and stress. Here are some strategies to help cope with these feelings:

• Educate yourself about breast health and common causes of breast lumps
• Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns
• Seek support from family, friends, or support groups
• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to promote overall well-being
• Consider speaking with a mental health professional if anxiety becomes overwhelming

Remember, while it’s natural to feel anxious about a breast lump, most lumps are benign. Prompt medical evaluation can provide reassurance and ensure appropriate care if needed.

Advances in Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment

The field of breast cancer detection and treatment is continuously evolving, with new technologies and therapies emerging to improve outcomes for patients. Some recent advances include:

3D Mammography

Also known as breast tomosynthesis, this technology creates a three-dimensional image of the breast, allowing for more accurate detection of abnormalities, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.

Molecular Breast Imaging

This technique uses a radioactive tracer to highlight cancer cells, providing an additional screening option for women with dense breasts or high risk of breast cancer.

Liquid Biopsies

These blood tests can detect circulating tumor cells or DNA, potentially allowing for earlier detection of cancer or monitoring of treatment effectiveness.

Targeted Therapies

Advances in understanding the genetic and molecular characteristics of breast cancer have led to the development of targeted therapies that can be more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy

This approach harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells and has shown promise in treating certain types of breast cancer.

These advancements underscore the importance of ongoing research and the potential for improved outcomes in breast cancer detection and treatment.

In conclusion, while discovering a pea-sized lump in your breast can be concerning, it’s important to remember that most breast lumps are benign. Understanding the characteristics of different types of breast lumps, knowing when to seek medical attention, and maintaining regular screening practices are crucial steps in promoting breast health. By staying informed and proactive, women can ensure early detection and appropriate care for any breast abnormalities that may arise.

When to Worry About Breast Lumps

You’re in the shower, conducting your monthly breast self-exam. Suddenly your hand freezes. You’ve found a lump. Now what?

First, don’t panic — 80 to 85 percent of breast lumps are benign, meaning they are noncancerous, especially in women younger than 40. Not only that, but if you’re of an age to be having regular mammograms, and if those mammograms have been negative, the odds are even better that your palpable (capable of being felt) lump is not cancer.

“I tell women that years before they ever experience a palpable lump we will have seen something on their screening mammogram,” says Steven R. Goldstein, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.

Even armed with that knowledge, it’s hard not to worry if you find a lump. At the very least, you’ll have questions. How do you differentiate between a lump that is breast cancer and one that is benign? What causes benign breast lumps? And do they go away on their own?

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How To Spot Changes In Your Breasts

Breast Lumps: Why Size, Movability, and Pain Matter

Your breasts are made up of fat, nerves, blood vessels, fibrous connective tissue, and glandular tissue, as well as an intricate system of milk-producing lobules (where milk is made), and ducts (thin tubes that carry milk to the nipple). This anatomy in and of itself creates a lumpy, uneven terrain.

A lump in the breast distinguishes itself from this background of normal irregularities. Harmless breast lumps can be solid and unmovable, like a dried bean; or movable, soft, and fluid-filled — you can roll it between your fingers like a grape. A lump may be pea-size, smaller than a pea, or even several inches across, although this larger size is rare.

What typically differentiates a benign breast lump from a cancerous breast lump is movement. That is, a fluid-filled lump that rolls between the fingers is less likely to be cancerous than a hard lump in your breast that feels rooted in place.

Another rule of thumb has to do with pain. Breast cancer does not usually cause pain. Benign conditions sometimes do, although there are exceptions to this rule as well. For instance, a rare form of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, may cause symptoms such as aching, tenderness, pain, or burning in the breast.

The only way to know the status of a lump for sure is through medical tests, such as an ultrasound, a mammogram, or a fine needle aspiration (FNA), in which your doctor uses a tiny needle to extract a bit of the lump for laboratory examination.

Not all benign breast lumps will require additional testing, at least not right away. If you find what appears to be a fluid-filled cyst during your menstrual period, for instance, your doctor may want to check your breast again at the end of your period to see if the cyst has disappeared. If the cyst goes away, you and your doctor will know your lump was indeed benign and related to the hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation.

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Common Causes of Benign Breast Lumps

Most benign breast lumps and conditions are directly related to your menstrual cycle, to fluctuations in your hormones, and to the fluid buildup that comes with your monthly period. Other benign breast lumps and conditions may be related to plugged milk ducts, infections, or even breast injuries. The risk for benign breast conditions increases for women who have never had children and those who have a history of irregular menstrual cycles or a family history of breast cancer.

Here are some of the most common benign breast conditions.

Fibrocystic changes These changes cause a general lumpiness that can be described as “ropy” or “granular,” and affect at least half of all women. Symptoms of fibrocystic change include tender, fibrous, rubbery tissue; a thickening of tissue; or a round, fluid-filled cyst. These changes, which are related to hormonal fluctuation, may increase as you approach middle age and disappear with menopause. Sometimes doctors recommend limiting salt and caffeine consumption to ease fluid buildup. Birth control pills may also ease symptoms.

Cysts Cysts are round or oval sacs, often measuring one to two inches across. They may be tender to the touch and filled with fluid. They may come and go with your menstrual period, becoming larger and more tender at the beginning of your period and disappearing at the end. Your doctor may order an ultrasound or a fine needle aspiration to make sure it’s a cyst and not something else. In very rare cases, when a cyst is particularly large or painful, your doctor may use a needle to withdraw and reduce the fluid inside it. Cysts generally affect women between ages 35 and 50.

Fibroadenoma These benign lumps occur primarily in young girls and women in their teens and twenties. Fibroadenomas are more common in those who use birth control pills before age 20. They range in size from microscopic to several inches across, are movable under the skin, and are round and hard like a marble. Your doctor may opt to identify it via FNA or biopsy, or removal of the lump. If the fibroadenoma shrinks or doesn’t grow over time, and your doctor is sure of the diagnosis, he or she may decide to simply leave it alone.

Fat necrosis This occurs when fatty breast tissue is damaged by injury to the breast, resulting in the formation of round, firm lumps. It’s more common in women with large breasts, particularly in obese women. Your doctor will most likely watch the lump through several menstrual cycles and may decide to remove it surgically. Sometimes the necrosis will produce what is called an oily cyst, which your doctor can drain with a needle.

Nipple discharge Sometimes women experience nipple discharge with or without a breast lump. The color of nipple discharge can vary from yellow to green. A clear to milky discharge may mean a hormonal malfunction. Greenish black discharge could be related to duct ectasia, a narrowing or blockage of the duct. A bloody discharge can mean cancer but is more likely to be due to injury, infection, or a benign tumor. Your doctor may study the fluid under a microscope to determine the problem.

Mastitis An infection of the milk duct, mastitis can create a lumpy, red, and warm breast, accompanied by fever. It occurs most commonly in women who are breastfeeding, but can occur in non-breastfeeding women as well. Treatment involves warm compresses and antibiotics. Because these symptoms are similar to inflammatory breast cancer, if they occur in a non-breastfeeding woman a doctor may want to do a biopsy.

Other, less-common conditions Some medical conditions cause breast lumps, including hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of cells in the breast ducts or lobules; adenosis, which causes enlarged lobules; intraductal papilloma, a wart-like growth of gland tissue that grows in the duct; and lipoma, which is a benign fatty tumor.

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Signs of Cancerous Breast Tumors

Though most breast lumps are benign, some do turn out to be cancerous. If a tumor is cancerous, it will continue to grow and invade normal nearby tissue. If it isn’t treated, it can spread to other areas in the body.

Most cancerous breast tumors first appear as single, hard lumps or thickening under the skin. Other signs to watch for include a change in nipple appearance, nipple secretions, nipple tenderness, and a dimpling or puckering of the skin.

About half of cancerous breast lumps appear in the upper, outer quadrant of the breast, extending into the armpit. About 18 percent of breast cancer tumors show up in the nipple area. Around 11 percent are found in the lower quadrant, and 6 percent are located in the lower, inner quadrant.

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If You Find a Breast Lump

Most benign breast conditions are treatable, and some will even go away on their own, but it’s best to let your doctor be the one to tell you that. All breast lumps should be evaluated by a medical professional, who will help you decide how to proceed. Because of the fluctuations in breast tissue that occur in response to hormonal changes throughout the month, it’s typically a good idea to do a self-exam at the same point every month, such as a few days after the end of your menstrual cycle.

Additional reporting by Julie Marks.

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Breast Tumors and Lumps | Causes, Detection And More | Beaumont

If you find a lump in your breast, your first thought might be “breast cancer.” But most breast lumps are benign, which means they are non-cancerous. You might be surprised to learn that breast lumps can occur in men and women, girls and boys. All humans have breast tissue, and lumps can form within any breast tissue. Many lumps appear and disappear during times of hormonal fluctuation, like during puberty. Breast lumps are not uncommon in girls or boys during puberty. 

Breast lumps are masses that develop in breast tissue. Not all lumps are the same. They vary in look and feel. 

If you have a breast lump, you might notice:

• an obvious lump with defined borders, kind of like a pea or a grape, depending on the size of the lump
• a firm or hard area in your breast
• an area of thickened tissue in the breast that feels different than the tissue around it
• accompanying breast changes, like skin redness or dimples
• a new difference in the size or shape of one breast, so one is now larger (or smaller) than the other

In addition to the breast lump, you might notice nipple changes, nipple discharge, or breast pain or tenderness. The pain may increase at certain times during your menstrual cycle.

Causes of breast lumps

There are many possible causes of a breast lump, including: breast cancer

• breast cysts
• fibrocystic breasts
• fibroadenoma
• trauma or injury to the breast
• mastitis
• lipoma
• intraductal papilloma
• milk cyst

How are breast lumps and tumors detected?

Often, breast lumps and tumors are found during annual breast exams or monthly breast self-exams. That’s why it’s so important for you to see your doctor every year to be checked for signs of breast cancer and other gynecologic cancers. You should also perform breast self-exams every month. This is the best way to detect changes in your breast that could require medical attention. 

Breast lumps and tumors may also be found during screening or diagnostic mammograms, or just incidentally, like when you put on deodorant, you might notice a lump in your armpit near your breast. 

How can you tell if a breast lump is cancerous or benign?

There’s no way to tell for sure whether a breast lump is benign without some sort of testing; however, about 80 percent of breast lumps are non-cancerous, and there are some characteristics of benign breast lumps that help doctors make a diagnosis. 

Some of the tests your doctor may perform or order in addition to doing a physical exam of your breasts are:

• a diagnostic mammogram
• breast ultrasound
• breast MRI
• a breast biopsy of the affected breast tissue
• fine needle aspiration of fluid inside the lump

These tests will help determine the type of lump or, if the lump is malignant, what type of cancer you have.

When should you see a doctor about a lump in your breast?

Breast lumps are not always cancer, and they are not always cause for alarm. You should know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and should perform breast self-exams every month to check for lumps or any other changes in your breast tissue. 

And while a breast lump is not likely to be cancerous, it’s still important to have it evaluated by your physician. 

Make an appointment with a Beaumont doctor for a breast lump evaluation, especially if:

• the lump seems fixed or feels firm
• the lump has not gone away in four to six weeks
• you have skin changes on your breast in addition to the lump (changes like redness, dimpling, crusting, or puckering)
• one area of your breast is obviously different from the rest 
• you have breast pain
• you have unexplained bruising on your breast
• you have nipple discharge of any kind
• your nipple is inverted or abnormally positioned you are noticing lumps in your armpit that are getting bigger

For a referral to a Beaumont breast care doctor, call 800-633-7377

Health Clinic.

Medical center in Kaliningrad.

Description

Induration in the breast (induration in the mammary glands) is a sign of many different conditions and diseases of the mammary glands, which is characterized by a sensation of a change in the structure of the tissue of the gland, usually of a diffuse nature.

The detection of nodular formations and local seals should be interpreted as the presence of nodular formations in the mammary gland. It is worth saying that a seal in the chest is a rather subjective sign, however, if it is found, it is recommended to conduct an examination in order to determine the nature of this change.

Causes

Consolidation in the chest can be cyclic and acyclic, it was one- and two-sided. Cyclic seals in the mammary glands are associated with the days of the menstrual cycle. So in the second phase of the cycle, most women experience some changes in the mammary glands. This process is physiological.

The seal in this case has an unexpressed character, and after menstruation, this symptom independently undergoes regression.

Thickening in the mammary glands is also observed in cases of taking combined oral contraceptives, as well as other methods of hormonal contraception. In this case, the mechanism of the occurrence of seals is due to the fact that there is fluid retention in the body under the action of the components of the drug. These sensations can be different about the degree of manifestation. If the seal in the chest brings some discomfort, then it is necessary to change the drug to another one that has antimineralcorticoid activity.

Another of the physiological conditions in which changes in the structure of mammary gland tissues are observed is pregnancy. This is lactostasis and mastitis. Lactostasis is characterized by local compaction of the area of ​​the mammary gland, as well as an increase in the mammary gland on the side of the lesion. Palpation of the focus of lactostasis is painful. With mastitis, the seal in the chest can be large, and it is due to the fact that an inflammatory infiltrate is formed around the focus of inflammation. If an abscess is formed, then against the background of a dense infiltrate, you can feel the area of ​​softening (fluctuation), which indicates the formation of a purulent cavity.

Diseases that are characterized by the formation of seals in the chest are as follows:

• Various types of mastopathy.

• Breast cysts.

• Tumor processes of the mammary gland.

• Various subcutaneous neoplasms that are not anatomically associated with the mammary gland, but are located in its zone.

Most often, a sign of mastopathy is the presence of seals in one or two mammary glands. There may be extensive changes in the structure of the gland, which is observed in diffuse forms of mastopathy, and there may be single or multiple seals in the form of nodules, the size of which can also be very variable. In the case of the predominance of lesions of the glandular tissue with mastopathy, the seals occupy a small area at the beginning, and in the future, the spread of processes is observed. Strengthening of symptoms occurs immediately before menstruation.

Seals of gland tissue with cysts can be caused both by the cyst itself and by changes in nearby tissues. In the case of large cysts of the gland, the seals are soft-elastic in nature, of various sizes and localizations. In the case of a long process, changes in adjacent tissues of the gland, due to the progression of mastopathy and reactive inflammation, come to the fore. Seals in this case are more pronounced, have large sizes.

In the case of breast cancer, the seals have indistinct boundaries, a bumpy surface, are often motionless and soldered to the skin. In these cases, as well as in the presence of bloody discharge from the nipples, changes in the color and structure of the nipple and skin, a quick visit to the doctor is required.

Various neoplasms of a benign structure, such as lipomas or atheromas, can create the illusion of the presence of seals in the mammary gland. However, a more thorough examination allows us to determine the fact that the formation is located under the skin and is not associated with the mammary gland itself.

Diagnostics

The appearance of neoplasms in the breast can be observed at absolutely any age. Only with timely access to a specialist, diagnosis of the disease and appropriate treatment, it is possible to completely cure malignant tumors.

Modern methods are used to diagnose seals:

• Mammography or X-ray examination, which makes it possible to detect a seal in any area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe breast with a size of five microcalcifications. It should be noted that in younger individuals, against the background of the predominance of glandular tissue, the chest is not clearly visible under x-rays.

• Ultrasonography.

• Ductography or a method in which contrast agents are introduced into the streams of the mammary glands, with the help of which intracurrent neoplasms are determined.

• A biopsy is a method expressed in the collection of tissue for research. Precisely determines the nature of the compaction (cyst, malignant tumor or fibrocystic mastopathy). Distinguish aspiration, stereotactic, ultrasonic and surgical biopsy.

• Puncture – sampling of material for research.

Breast lump treatment

If a woman is diagnosed with mastopathy, she is recommended to be observed by a specialist twice a year. The doctor will monitor the development of the process in the mammary glands. At a young age, once every two years, at a more mature age, a woman should do a mammogram and an ultrasound of the breast every year. Often the doctor prescribes vitamins, bromcamphor, potassium iodide for taking.

Hormonal and non-hormonal therapies are used for treatment. With a diffuse form of mastopathy, treatment is aimed at eliminating the main cause of the disease, which provoked a disorder in the function of the pituitary gland and ovaries. Often, therapy begins with the treatment of diseases of the female genital area, restoration of the functions of the liver and nervous system. Hormone therapy is expressed in the appointment of antiestrogens (tamoxifen, fareston), oral contraceptives, progestogens, androgens, substances that inhibit the secretion of prolactin. In the nodular form of mastopathy, specific immunotherapy agents are used (allergen vaccine in gradually increasing doses to achieve remission of the disease), as well as surgical treatment (in most cases), which involves the excision of nodes as they are detected.

In order for the disease not to turn into a malignant form, it is necessary, if the slightest seals occur, to immediately contact a mammologist and treat them.

Among the methods of non-hormonal treatment, one can single out the preparation of a personal diet, the selection of the right bra, the appointment of anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal, diuretic, and blood circulation-improving drugs. They also prescribe a course of taking antioxidants that have a beneficial effect on liver function, in particular, B-keratin, phospholipids, zinc, selenium, as well as complexes of vitamins A, B, E and iodine.

If seals are found, you should not do physiotherapeutic procedures on the chest area without first consulting a doctor. In addition, you should refuse to visit baths, saunas, solariums, do not stay in open sunlight for a long time.

Self-treatment

When seals appear, you should not get carried away with folk remedies without first visiting and consulting a specialist. In most cases, it is the delay in seeking medical help that causes the death of women from malignant tumors.

Breast self-examination

Each woman should conduct an independent examination of the mammary glands every month, in the first week after menstruation. This will allow you to identify the slightest seal, deviation or change in the chest, thereby taking the necessary measures in a timely manner. Any woman should be alerted by the following signs: a change in the shape of the breast, palpation of nodules or bumps, in particular in the axillary areas, tissue swelling, folds, bulges, thickenings, dimples. Any deviations should be the reason for an immediate appeal to a mammologist.

The examination itself should be carried out, standing in front of the mirror, fingertips. First, raise one hand to the top and feel the chest “in a spiral” with the fingertips of the other hand, in the direction from the armpits to the nipples, then from top to bottom. Further, all the same manipulations are carried out with the other breast. Then you need to do an examination in the supine position. One hand is thrown behind the head, with the fingers of the other hand, feel the gland from the base to the nipple. Then do the same with the other breast. After that, it is necessary to slightly squeeze the nipple with two fingers, thereby checking for the presence of discharge from it.

Consequences of non-intervention

Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis – on his own and by touch it is impossible to determine whether the detected tumor is benign or whether you will have to undergo treatment by an oncologist.

On the one hand, many women are reassured by the fact that not all neoplasms in the breast are a sign of cancer. But even in the presence of a benign tumor, treatment by a doctor is necessary. Otherwise, serious problems may appear, up to the degeneration of the tumor into a malignant one.

Symptoms of breast cancer: first signs, causes and stages

Symptoms of breast cancer vary from person to person. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, you should consult a doctor for an examination.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump in the chest or armpit. By conducting regular breast self-exams, you remember what structure your breasts have, which means you will immediately notice any change. Most breast lumps are benign (eg cysts), but every lump needs to be examined!

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On This Page:

1. The Most Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer – Remember Them!
2. Quick access to examination and treatment

• Lump in the chest or armpit
• Change in breast size or shape
• Pain, swelling, tingling
• Skin changes
• ska
• Other symptoms

• Additional examinations
• Regular breast self-examination

Are you thinking about examination or treatment abroad?

Post your question here and the Helena Clinic mammologist will answer it. Whatever country you are in, we will be happy to give you professional advice.

The most common symptoms of breast cancer – remember them!

The most common symptoms of breast cancer:

• lump or lump in the chest or armpit
• chest skin retraction
• change in the size, shape or density of the breast
• bloody or any other discharge from the nipple
• rash on areola
• nipple retraction
• chest skin changes
• breast or nipple pain, breast swelling
• breast engorgement outside of pregnancy

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. In case of any incomprehensible symptoms and seals, it is imperative to undergo an examination: mammography and ultrasound examination of the mammary glands.

Quick access to examination and treatment

• At Helena Clinic you can get a quick consultation if you have any of the above breast symptoms or have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Helena Clinic is the leading Finnish clinic for the treatment of breast cancer. Many years of experience, European quality standards and an individual approach provide the best treatment results, and Russian-speaking support in the clinic allows patients to feel comfortable.
• Helena Clinic has an office in St. Petersburg, where we advise patients on treatment in Finland. A proposal for diagnosis and treatment is made free of charge within 1-3 days. Treatment can be started immediately.

+7(911)715-86-47

Lump in the chest or armpit

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the chest or armpit. Sometimes the tumor can be seen visually, sometimes – only when probing the chest. Sometimes a lump is found in the armpit – this may indicate the spread of cancer to the lymph node.

It must be remembered that not all lumps in the breast mean cancer. Often seals are benign cysts.

Change in breast size or shape

Breast cancer does not always show up as a lump. Symptoms may also include changes in the size, shape, and density of the breasts.

Indrawings, thickening or tender areas may form on the skin of the breast.

Pain, swelling, tingling

Breast cancer may be indicated by sensations in the breast such as burning, itching or tingling. The lump itself is usually painless, but may cause tingling, hypersensitivity, or stabbing pain.

Changes in the skin

Breast cancer may present as changes in the skin of the breast. One of the signs is the so-called “orange peel”.

Sometimes the color of the skin of the breast changes – an unusual redness appears, the skin is pulled inward.

Nipple changes

Any changes in the nipple area can be a sign of breast cancer. Cancer may present with nipple indrawing or clear or bloody discharge from the nipple.

An ulcer or rash on the nipple that does not heal may indicate breast cancer.

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Other symptoms

Breast cancer may present with other symptoms. It is very important to conduct regular breast self-examination in order to notice the slightest changes in time. Finland has an effective screening program for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. All Finnish women aged 50 to 69 are invited to have a mammogram every 2 years. More than 80 percent of all invitees take part in the screening, and it is within the framework of screening that two-thirds of breast cancer cases are detected.

What should I do if I suspect a tumor in my breast?

Have you examined your breasts yourself?

It’s great if you’ve already got into the habit of doing regular breast self-exams. When you examine your breasts every month, you memorize their normal texture and density. If at one of the self-examinations you notice that something has changed, you can apply for additional studies in time and, if necessary, start treatment.

If you still don’t know why and how to conduct a breast self-examination, read our article and watch the training video here.

What should you do if you find a lump yourself?

The main thing is not to worry and not to be afraid, but to consult a doctor. If during self-examination you notice something unusual in the structure of your mammary glands that was not there before, the first step to health is to make an appointment with a mammologist. A good doctor should conduct a clinical examination and determine if you need further research. The seal in the chest may well be a cyst or other benign formation. In any case, the diagnosis should not be postponed for a long time – it will either relieve anxiety or allow treatment to begin as early as possible.

In this article, mammologist and oncosurgeon Helena Puonti explains why all unclear symptoms and suspicious breast masses should be examined.

Have you been to see a doctor?

Palpation is a method of examination during which the doctor palpates (carefully feels) the mammary glands to determine if there are any abnormalities in their structure. This is the first study that is performed as part of the diagnosis of diseases of the mammary glands. Based on palpation, the doctor decides whether it is necessary to refer the patient to mammography, ultrasound, or both studies at once.

Have you already had a breast ultrasound?

Breast ultrasound is best suited as a baseline study for patients under 40 years of age, as their breast tissue is too dense to clearly show changes on mammography.

What was found on breast ultrasound?

If the radiologist confirms that there are no alarming changes on the ultrasound (provided that you were previously examined by a mammologist), you can exhale with relief and continue regular self-examinations.

Every woman should have a regular breast ultrasound.

If the radiological report recommends additional tests, the referral mammologist will explain what to do next. Most often, the next step will be a mammogram.

Have you already had a mammogram?

Along with ultrasound, there is a second basic study that provides important information about the structure and changes of the mammary glands – this is mammography.

Mammography is the “gold standard” of examinations to be performed if any change is found that is suspicious of malignancy.

If a suspicious area is seen on mammograms, a biopsy is taken from it so that no malignancy is missed. The earlier cancer is detected, the more gentle the operation to remove it will be and the higher the possibility of a full recovery.

If mammography, breast ultrasound and clinical examination by an experienced mammologist do not confirm anything suspicious, you can breathe a sigh of relief and continue regular self-examinations.

Have you had a biopsy before?

Any suspicious breast changes should be biopsied to rule out cancer. Biopsy tissue is examined under a microscope.

If no malignant cells are found in the biopsy, it is most often a benign proliferation of connective tissue. Such areas do not need to be removed if they do not interfere (for example, do not cause pain when wearing a bra). If a benign cyst was found on the study, it can be punctured – that is, fluid is removed from it with a thin needle.

If a biopsy confirms a malignant tumor, surgical removal of the tumor is most often the first step in treatment. To plan the operation, it is important to determine whether the malignant cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit. If there are enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit, then a biopsy is also taken from them.

Have you had an axillary lymph node test before?

Lymph nodes perform a very important function – they delay the spread of malignant cells.
The first lymph nodes that malignant cells encounter on the way from the tumor to the armpit are called “sentinel” lymph nodes. Their task is to delay and, if possible, destroy cancer cells that seek to spread throughout the body. The study of “sentinel” lymph nodes allows you to determine whether they contain malignant cells, which is important for planning surgical treatment.

What was found on the study of “sentinel” lymph nodes?

If the axillary lymph nodes are “clean”, that is, they do not contain malignant cells, then surgery to remove the axillary lymph nodes is not required. Radioisotope study of “sentinel” lymph nodes is designed to confirm the result of the biopsy.

If metastases are found in the armpit, that is, lymph nodes affected by malignant cells, this means that they must be removed during surgery in order to remove malignant cells from the body. After surgery to remove axillary lymph nodes, it is very important to pay attention to the gentle recovery of the hand so that its function is not affected.

Have you had cancer surgery before?

If you have already had an operation, this is good news, because the most important thing for your future recovery has already been done.

Cancer behaves very differently, so there are different types of surgery to remove a malignant tumor with different results. In most cases, if the tumor is small relative to the size of the breast, organ-sparing surgery can be performed. In other cases, it is necessary to perform a mastectomy – that is, to remove the entire mammary gland.

Will I need chemotherapy and radiotherapy?

After surgery to remove breast cancer, so-called adjuvant therapy is usually given. Its task is to destroy malignant cells that could still remain in the body. After the operation, all removed tumor cells are carefully examined by a pathologist. The pathohistological conclusion gives an idea of ​​the extent and aggressiveness of the tumor. Based on this conclusion, the oncologist plans further treatment. It can be chemotherapy, radiation or hormonal therapy.

Can breasts be reconstructed after a mastectomy?

If you have had a mastectomy and your entire breast has been removed, you may be offered several options for breast reconstruction. You can restore the breast with the help of transplantation of your own tissues, an implant placed under the skin, or using combined methods. In some cases, a so-called expander is first needed, which stretches the skin and prepares it for the implant. Sometimes breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as surgery to remove the tumor, for example, when cancer is detected at an early stage and radiation therapy is not required after surgery.

Book a consultation today!

You can contact the Helena Clinic for advice at any stage of your breast cancer treatment. We will help you navigate the diagnosis, plan a surgical treatment or get an expert opinion.

Additional Testing

If you have been diagnosed with or suspect breast cancer based on the symptoms listed above, you can make an appointment with Dr. Helena Puonti – quickly and without a referral. At the appointment, a clinical examination will be carried out, after which additional studies may be prescribed to clarify the diagnosis: ultrasound of the mammary glands, mammography, MRI, if necessary, a biopsy.

Regular breast self-examination

Regular breast self-examination helps to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Self-examination should be carried out on a regular basis – so you will know the structure of your breasts well and easily notice even slight changes. Read more about how to properly conduct a breast self-exam here.