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Benign Breast Concerns

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Benign breast concerns can be described as changes or growths in the breast tissue that are not cancer. Because the symptoms of benign breast concerns can mimic those caused by breast cancer, many women are concerned when they first visit us regarding these changes. While any abnormal change in the breast should be assessed by a professional, many of these changes turn out to be benign. In fact, benign breast conditions are more common than breast cancer.

At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we assess, diagnose, and treat the following benign breast concerns:

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If you have any concerns regarding your breast health or breast cancer risk factors, please let us know. Contact Tucson Breast Health Specialists in Tucson, AZ today to schedule an appointment.

Benign Breast Concern FAQs

Are benign breast lumps dangerous?

A benign breast mass means it is not cancerous. Some lumps do, however, need to be removed to confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes these biopsy results will indicate that a person may be at higher risk for breast cancer in the future. So if you have a breast mass, be sure to get it checked.

Do benign breast lumps cause pain?

Some benign breast masses do cause pain, fibrocystic change, fibroadenomas, and PASH might cause pain. There are many causes of breast pain and most are not related to cancer.

Why do benign breast tumors grow?

For most benign breast masses we don't usually know why they grow. Some are driven by hormones in the body so are more likely to grow in teenagers, pregnant women, or women experiencing menopause.

What do benign breast changes mean?

There is a wide range of benign breast processes that can cause symptoms like a lump or pain or even nipple discharge. Benign means that it's not cancerous and therefore usually not harmful. Most of these lesions also do not increase risk of cancer. However, some benign breast findings do increase the risk for breast cancer so it's important to discuss symptoms imaging, and finding some biopsy results with a breast care professional.

Can benign breast tumors turn malignant?

Very rarely benign breast tumors become malignant. An example is a phyllodes tumor. Most phyllodes tumors are either benign or malignant, but in general, the benign ones are removed to reduce the chance of developing cancer. Another example is the benign papilloma. Most Papillomas don't turn into cancer, but occasionally we see papillary cancers that most likely started out as a benign mass. because they're mostly benign we don't usually remove papillary lesions, unless they meet particular criteria.

Benign Breast Changes

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Granulomatous Mastitis

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Mastodynia

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Breast Abcess

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High-Risk Lesions and Level Risk

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“The level of care is excellent.”

Dr. Ley is an excellent doctor who cares about her patients. She takes the time to explain everything and provides all options. The level of care is excellent.

Dr. Ley helped me through the first round of BC in 2017 with kindness, compassion and expertise! I had absolutely no reservations when trusting her for a 2021 and now for the 3rd time I can’t imagine going through this without her. She is a lion when it comes to fighting for you, calls you personally even though she has to be the busiest Dr. and mother I know. She’s considerate of your needs, fears and concerns and never lets you go it alone. Can’t say enough good!

When diagnosed with Breast Cancer my daughter, which is a surgical nurse, started searching for a breast surgeon for me. Within a short period of time, she called stating “Mom, Dr Ley is the surgeon for you”! I have not been disappointed & have had nothing but positive experiences with Dr. Ley & her staff. They truly care.

I have no words to express my gratitude for Dr. Ley! I was diagnosed Feb. 2020 and Dr. Ley besides being the best in her field and doing an amazing job on my double mastectomy she was even able to save my nipples. She is also a remarkable human being, patient, kind very clear in explaining everything and making you feel heard and safe in her hands. I 100% recommend her and her very helpful, kind and amazing team! If you have recently been diagnosed this is the team you want to have your back!

Dr. Ley is extremely good at explaining your breast cancer, treatment options, and everything she is going to do. She is a masterful surgeon and uses plastic techniques to close incisions, leaving minimal scarring. In addition, she is warm, pleasant, and a lovely person. I am so happy that I found her based on a friend’s recommendation. I can’t say enough about her and the practice’s excellent care.

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We are dedicated to providing the support you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help on your breast health journey.

We are only accepting patients with surgical breast diseases. We do not see patients for breast pain or without imaging in the last three months. If you have been diagnosed with one of the following, please submit the contact form or call our office at (520) 605-2778 to schedule your appointment.

  • Breast cancer, DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ), invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, and any other breast malignancies such as sarcoma, and malignant phyllodes
  • Patients with known genetic mutations such as BRCA 1, 2, and others
  • Fibroadenoma, phyllodes tumor, radial scar, complex sclerosing lesion, papilloma >8mm, atypical papilloma, nipple mass or ulceration,
  • Granulomatous mastitis
  • Atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia ( ALH, ADH), and any benign lesion with atypia