Breast mass: Difference between revisions

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'''Breast mass''' refers to a localized swelling, lump, or bump in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue. Breast masses can vary in size, shape, and consistency and can occur in one or both breasts. They are a common reason for women to seek medical attention due to the concern for [[Breast cancer|breast cancer]]. However, it is important to note that breast masses can result from a wide range of conditions, many of which are benign (non-cancerous).
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Causes==
| name            = Breast mass
Breast masses can be caused by several conditions, including:
| image          = [[File:Breast_cancer.jpg|250px]]
 
| caption        = A mammogram showing a breast mass
* [[Fibrocystic breast changes]]: Characterized by lumpiness or thickening of the breast tissue, often related to hormonal changes.
| field          = [[Oncology]], [[Radiology]]
* [[Cysts]]: Fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast tissue.
| synonyms        = Breast lump, breast tumor
* [[Fibroadenomas]]: Non-cancerous solid tumors that are most common in young women.
| symptoms        = [[Breast pain]], [[nipple discharge]], changes in breast size or shape
* [[Infections]]: Such as [[mastitis]], which is an infection of the breast tissue often associated with breastfeeding.
| complications  = [[Breast cancer]]
* [[Intraductal papillomas]]: Small, wart-like growths in the ducts of the breast.
| onset          = Can occur at any age, more common in women over 40
* [[Breast cancer]]: Malignant tumors that can develop from various cells in the breast.
| duration        = Varies depending on cause
 
| causes          = [[Fibroadenoma]], [[cyst]], [[breast cancer]], [[mastitis]]
==Symptoms==
| risks          = [[Family history]], [[hormonal changes]], [[age]]
The symptoms of a breast mass can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
| diagnosis      = [[Mammography]], [[ultrasound]], [[biopsy]]
 
| differential    = [[Fibrocystic breast changes]], [[lipoma]], [[abscess]]
* A palpable lump in the breast with or without pain
| prevention      = Regular [[breast self-examination]], [[mammography]]
* Changes in the size or shape of the breast
| treatment      = Depends on cause; may include [[surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]]
* Skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness
| prognosis      = Varies; benign masses have excellent prognosis, malignant masses depend on stage
* Nipple discharge, which may be clear, bloody, or another color
| frequency      = Common; most women will experience a breast mass at some point
* Changes in the appearance of the nipple, such as becoming inverted
}}
 
[[File:Needle_biopsy.jpg|Needle biopsy|thumb|left]]
==Diagnosis==
A '''breast mass''' is a localized swelling or lump in the breast tissue. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from benign [[fibroadenoma]]s to malignant [[breast cancer]]. The evaluation of a breast mass is crucial for determining the appropriate management and treatment.
The diagnosis of a breast mass typically involves a combination of:
===Causes===
 
Breast masses can be caused by:
* [[Clinical breast exam]]: A physical examination of the breasts by a healthcare provider.
* [[Fibrocystic breast changes]]
* [[Mammography]]: An X-ray of the breast used to detect abnormalities.
* [[Fibroadenoma]]
* [[Ultrasound]]: Uses sound waves to produce images of the breast tissue, helpful in distinguishing between solid masses and cysts.
* [[Breast cyst]]s
* [[Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]]: Provides detailed images of the breast and is particularly useful in certain cases, such as for women with dense breast tissue.
* [[Intraductal papilloma]]
* [[Biopsy]]: The removal of a small sample of breast tissue for laboratory analysis to determine if a mass is benign or malignant.
* [[Breast cancer]]
 
===Symptoms===
==Treatment==
Common symptoms associated with a breast mass include:
The treatment for a breast mass depends on the underlying cause:
* A palpable lump in the breast
 
* Changes in breast size or shape
* Benign conditions may not require treatment but could be monitored for changes.
* Skin changes over the breast, such as dimpling
* Infections are typically treated with antibiotics.
* Nipple discharge
* Non-cancerous tumors like fibroadenomas may be surgically removed if they cause discomfort or grow.
==Evaluation==
* Breast cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
The evaluation of a breast mass typically involves a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and biopsy.
 
===Clinical Examination===
==Prevention==
A thorough [[clinical breast examination]] is performed to assess the characteristics of the mass, such as its size, location, and consistency.
While not all breast masses can be prevented, regular breast self-exams and routine clinical breast exams and mammograms can help detect abnormalities early when they are most treatable.
===Imaging===
 
[[Mammography]] and [[ultrasound]] are commonly used imaging techniques to evaluate breast masses. [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) may also be used in certain cases.
==Needle Biopsy==
[[File:Needle_biopsy.jpg|left|thumb|A needle biopsy being performed on a breast mass.]]
A '''needle biopsy''' is a procedure used to obtain a sample of tissue from a breast mass for pathological examination. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide a definitive diagnosis.
===Types of Needle Biopsy===
* [[Fine-needle aspiration biopsy]] (FNAB)
* [[Core needle biopsy]]
* [[Vacuum-assisted biopsy]]
===Procedure===
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. A needle is inserted into the breast mass, and a sample of tissue is extracted. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
===Advantages===
Needle biopsy is less invasive than surgical biopsy and has a shorter recovery time. It is also highly accurate in diagnosing breast masses.
==Management==
The management of a breast mass depends on the underlying cause. Benign masses may require monitoring or surgical removal, while malignant masses may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Breast self-examination]]
* [[Breast cancer]]
* [[Breast biopsy]]
* [[Mammography]]
* [[Mastectomy]]
* [[Breast ultrasound]]
* [[Lumpectomy]]
* [[Biopsy]]
 
==External links==
* [https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html American Cancer Society: Breast Cancer]
* [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/index.htm CDC: Breast Cancer]
 
[[Category:Breast diseases]]
[[Category:Breast diseases]]
[[Category:Oncology]]
[[Category:Medical procedures]]
[[Category:Women's health]]
 
{{Medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 19:30, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Breast mass
Synonyms Breast lump, breast tumor
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Breast pain, nipple discharge, changes in breast size or shape
Complications Breast cancer
Onset Can occur at any age, more common in women over 40
Duration Varies depending on cause
Types N/A
Causes Fibroadenoma, cyst, breast cancer, mastitis
Risks Family history, hormonal changes, age
Diagnosis Mammography, ultrasound, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Fibrocystic breast changes, lipoma, abscess
Prevention Regular breast self-examination, mammography
Treatment Depends on cause; may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies; benign masses have excellent prognosis, malignant masses depend on stage
Frequency Common; most women will experience a breast mass at some point
Deaths N/A


Needle biopsy

A breast mass is a localized swelling or lump in the breast tissue. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from benign fibroadenomas to malignant breast cancer. The evaluation of a breast mass is crucial for determining the appropriate management and treatment.

Causes[edit]

Breast masses can be caused by:

Symptoms[edit]

Common symptoms associated with a breast mass include:

  • A palpable lump in the breast
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin changes over the breast, such as dimpling
  • Nipple discharge

Evaluation[edit]

The evaluation of a breast mass typically involves a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and biopsy.

Clinical Examination[edit]

A thorough clinical breast examination is performed to assess the characteristics of the mass, such as its size, location, and consistency.

Imaging[edit]

Mammography and ultrasound are commonly used imaging techniques to evaluate breast masses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used in certain cases.

Needle Biopsy[edit]

A needle biopsy being performed on a breast mass.

A needle biopsy is a procedure used to obtain a sample of tissue from a breast mass for pathological examination. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide a definitive diagnosis.

Types of Needle Biopsy[edit]

Procedure[edit]

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. A needle is inserted into the breast mass, and a sample of tissue is extracted. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Advantages[edit]

Needle biopsy is less invasive than surgical biopsy and has a shorter recovery time. It is also highly accurate in diagnosing breast masses.

Management[edit]

The management of a breast mass depends on the underlying cause. Benign masses may require monitoring or surgical removal, while malignant masses may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

See also[edit]

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