Benign (non-cancerous) breast changes and conditions are common, and many women experience them. Benign breast conditions are not life-threatening but may cause symptoms such as lumps, discomfort, and nipple discharge. Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish these symptoms from those of breast cancer, and a professional diagnosis is needed. At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we assess, diagnose, and treat various benign breast changes, including but not limited to the following. When there is a concern regarding a breast lump, a breast ultrasound (combined with mammogram) is usually performed to identify the problem.
Fibroadenomas and Simple Cysts
Many lumps that women feel in their breasts are benign changes in the fibrous tissue and/or cysts which together can be grouped as fibrocystic changes. Fibrocystic changes are common among women of childbearing age, though they can occur at any age.
Fibrosis describes an area of fibrous or thickened connective tissue. These areas can feel firm or rubbery to the touch. This is normal breast tissue. When patients have a lot of fibrosis it can cause discomfort or a lump.
Cysts are round sacs filled with fluid which form when fluid starts to build up inside the breast ducts. This is a normal part of breasts, but some cysts will become large and painful. Aspiration or drawing out the fluid with a needle can help relieve symptoms. There is no treatment for cysts and in particular cysts are not usually surgically removed.
Fibrosis and simple cysts do not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, there are some findings such as a complex cyst which may require more evaluation or follow-up. Evening Primrose oil taken by mouth can help with symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease.
Board-Certified Surgeon
MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS
Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.
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Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenomas are benign tumors in the breast made up of both glandular and supporting/ connective breast tissues. They most commonly affect women between 20-30 years of age, though they can affect individuals of any age. They are the most common breast mass in teenagers. These benign tumors are affected by women’s hormones and can increase in size during pregnancy or become smaller following menopause.
While some fibroadenomas are too small to be felt, others may feel like a marble within the breast. They often feel rubbery or firm and can be moved under the skin. A breast biopsy may be required to pinpoint if a mass in the breast is fibroadenoma or another condition.
In most cases, fibroadenomas do not require treatment. However, your doctor may recommend removing them if they grow very large or cause symptoms.
Women with simple fibroadenomas and no family history of breast cancer do not have an increased risk of breast cancer. However, women who have complex fibroadenoma and proliferative breast disease or a family history of breast cancer may have a slightly increased long-term risk of developing breast cancer.
Hyperplasia of the Breast
Hyperplasia is defined by the overgrowth of cells (too many cells) that line the lobules or ducts in the breasts. While it is not cancer, some types of hyperplasia may put you at a higher risk for developing breast cancer.
Hyperplasia can be divided into two categories including usual or atypical based on how the cells appear under a microscope.
With usual ductal hyperplasia, there is an overgrowth of cells lining the ducts of the breasts, but the cells appear almost normal.
With atypical hyperplasia, the cells are too numerous and appear abnormal. This can be further divided into atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH).
Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia (PASH) is a rare but benign lesion that usually presents in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Commonly, PASH lesions are very small and are not associated with symptoms. These lesions are typically discovered during routine mammograms. PASH is usually only excised surgically if patients have pain or there are other concerning findings.
“The level of care is excellent.”
Sclerosing Adenosis and Radial Scar
Adenosis is a benign condition in which the lobules of the breast are enlarged, and there are more glands than usual. It is often discovered through biopsy samples of women who have fibrocystic changes in their breasts which are seen on mammograms as a mass or calcifications. Sclerosing Adenosis is when there is scarring of the glands seen on the pathology. Radial scar is a pattern of scarring that looks like a starburst. Both of these have a relationship with increased risk for breast cancer.
When a new spiculation (starburst) or calcifications are seen on a mammogram, a breast biopsy may be required for diagnosis. These lesions may require treatment if they are associated with a high-risk lesion like radial scar or atypia.
Fat Necrosis
Fat necrosis is a benign condition of the breast that can develop when an injury occurs to an ear of fatty breast tissue. It can also develop following surgery or radiation treatment. Fat necrosis occurs in various stages. First, a sac of greasy fluid called an oil cyst is created once fat cells die. Next, clarifications can form around the wall of the cyst, and as the body continues to heal, denser scar tissue is then formed. Fat necrosis does not affect your risk for breast cancer.
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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.
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