Arizona Blood & Cancer Specialists Logo

Locations

Back

Physicians

Back

Advanced Practice Providers

Back

Contact & Important Links

Back
Medical On

Medical Oncology

Back
Hematology

Hematology

Back

Radiation Oncology

Back
Breast Health & Surgery

Breast Health & Surgery

Back

Patient Education

Back

Helpful Patient Information

Back

Patient Forms

Back

Secure Online Bill Pay

Back

Benign Breast
Conditions

There are different types of benign breast conditions that can affect the breast. Some require treatment and others will go away on their own.

While most benign breast conditions aren’t life-threatening, some types can increase the risk of developing breast cancer and may require follow-up tests or exams.

How do I know if what I’m feeling is normal?

The first step is to follow up with a trained healthcare provider. This can be a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. After a physical examination, they can determine which type of breast imaging is needed.

Mammograms, which remain the gold standard screening technique, are effective in detecting breast cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable and most curable. Today both 2D and 3D imaging are used. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are utilized in high-risk screening and in further evaluation of a known issue. 

Ultrasound helps to determine if a mass is solid or liquid, and MRI allows for a more thorough comprehensive view. This additional imaging is important to determine whether the area in question is a cyst or fibroadenoma. Fluid-filled areas are typically seen with cysts, while masses that appear solid can be an indication of fibroadenoma or breast cancer.

For most people, their breasts are not uniform in texture, and often have a “lumpy, bumpy” feel. This is due to the different types of tissue in the breast like the ductal-lobular (milk production) components, the stroma, the fibrous tissue that forms the structural component which supports the breast, and adipose (fat) tissue.

Helpful Resources:

National Cancer Institute

Breast Changes and Conditions

American Cancer Society

Non-cancerous Breast Conditions