Breast lumps can occur in anyone, including babies, children and adult men and women, although they are more common among women of childbearing age who have not yet experienced menopause. Although any unusual change or lump in a breast should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible, many lumps in the breast are benign and will not cause any disease or cancer, and can be treated with medications, surgery or home care.
Discharge
Discharge of liquid from the nipple is a symptom of benign breast lumps and other breast conditions, according to the Federal Citizen Information Center. Women with many lumps in the breast may experience a white or colored discharge that may be a result of using medication such as birth control pills or disorders such as thyroid problems. A discharge that looks bloody could be a symptom of a intraductal papillomas, which is a lump or growth near the ducts inside of the nipple.
Inflammation
Inflammation is a symptom of benign breast lumps, according to the Federal Citizen Information Center. Women who are breastfeeding may develop a plugged duct, which can cause a lump to develop in the breast and result in symptoms including inflammation, redness and pain. Inflammation can also result from a breast lump caused by an abscess or mastitis, which is an infection of the breast common in lactating women.
Pain
Pain in the breast is a symptom of benign breast lumps, according to the National Library of Medicine. Benign breast lumps may become more painful during premenstrual syndrome or after an injury to the breast. Pain may result from touching benign breast lumps including cysts, plugged ducts and abscesses. Lumps that result from breast infections may cause pain even from the pressure of a bra or shirt.
Shape Changes
According to the Mayo Clinic, changes in the shape of the breast may be symptoms of benign breast lumps. A benign lump in or near the nipple may cause the nipple to become inverted in women whose nipples were previously positioned normally. Benign breast lumps may also cause one breast to become larger in size or misshapen when compared to the other breast.
Skin Changes
Changes in the skin on and around the breast are symptoms of benign breast lumps, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lumps may cause the skin of the breast to appear red or bruised near the location of the lump. Other skin changes caused by benign breast lumps may include a dimpled appearance or swelling of the skin around the area of the lump.
Texture Changes
According to the National Library of Medicine, benign breast lumps may cause changes in the texture or feel of the breast. Benign lumps such as fibroadenomas can cause the breast to feel rubbery and the lump may move around when the breast is squeezed. Cysts are benign lumps in the breast can feel squishy, while fibrocystic lumps can feel thick and firm when squeezed.
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