Benign breast lumps. The most common causes are fibroadenomas (as distinct from fibroadenosis), and cysts. These are not cancerous, and are usually easily treated. Any discrete lump in the breast should be examined by a doctor. Doctors will often organise investigation by mammography and possibly ultrasound, or by referral to a specialist, even if the most likely diagnosis is a benign lump. Doctors tend to be fairly cautious when it comes to breast lumps, so don’t worry if your doctor suggests investigation or another opinion.
Fibroadenomas. These may vary in size from less than a centimetre, to several centimetres in diameter. They are discrete and smooth, slightly firm and regular, and are usually very mobile within the breast. This means that when they are examined with the hand they can tend to slip away under the fingers as you examine them.
Fibroadenomas can occur from puberty onwards, but rarely after menopause. They are not sinister, but can sometimes get bigger with time. Depending on their size, feel, and the age and wishes of the patient, they are often removed surgically. In older women, particularly, the reassurance of having a lump examined under a microscope is important to exclude cancer. In younger women a choice may be made to leave the fibroadenoma there, and review it. Sometimes they disappear on their own.
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