Benign Breast Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions Expand All

• What is a benign breast condition?

  A benign breast condition is one that is not cancer. These conditions often go away on their own or are easily treated. Because a few benign breast conditions can increase your risk of getting cancer in the future, you may need to have follow-up tests or exams with your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn).

• What are the different types of benign breast conditions?

  Benign breast conditions include pain, lumps or masses, infections, nipple discharge, and skin changes.

• What causes benign breast pain?

  There are two types of breast pain: cyclic and noncyclic.

  • Cyclic breast pain occurs in response to changes in hormone levels. Your breasts may feel swollen, more sensitive, or painful before your menstrual period. You may have similar symptoms if you use combined hormonal contraception such as birth control pills or hormone therapy for symptoms of menopause.

  • Noncyclic breast pain is not related to the menstrual cycle. It usually occurs in one breast in one specific area. Many things can cause this type of pain, including injury, infection, medications, and large breast size. In rare cases, noncyclic breast pain can be caused by breast cancer.

• How is benign breast pain treated?

  For cyclic breast pain, wearing a well-fitted bra and taking pain-relieving medications can help. If you are on combined hormonal birth control, using your method continuously may improve symptoms. Talk with your ob-gyn if you want to learn more about this option.

  If you have noncyclic breast pain, see your ob-gyn.

• What are benign breast lumps or masses?

  There are different types of benign breast lumps. In general, benign breast masses are divided into three types:

  1. Nonproliferative—This type of mass has normal cells. A common example is a cyst. Cysts usually are small and go away by themselves or can be drained with a needle. Another example is a simple fibroadenoma. Simple fibroadenomas usually shrink or go away on their own. They may need to be surgically removed if they are large or keep growing.

  2. Proliferative without atypia—In this type of breast mass, the cells are increasing in number but are otherwise normal. Having this type of lump slightly increases the risk of future breast cancer over the long term. They usually are surgically removed, but sometimes they can just be watched to make sure they are not growing.

  3. Atypical hyperplasia of the breast—Hyperplasia is a condition in which cells are increasing in number. Atypia means that the cells do not look normal under a microscope. Atypical hyperplasia greatly increases the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Surgery to remove the cells and the area around them is recommended, along with close follow-up.

• What is mastitis?

  Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue. It most commonly happens when a milk duct becomes clogged with milk during breastfeeding and does not drain properly. Your breast will be red, swollen, warm, and painful in one specific area. Mastitis also can cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, aches, and fatigue.

• How is mastitis treated?

  You may be prescribed an antibiotic to treat the infection. It is safe to breastfeed your baby when you have mastitis and are taking an antibiotic. Applying warm compresses can help relieve the pain.

• What are the signs and symptoms of nipple discharge?

  Benign discharge tends to occur in both breasts and only when the breast or nipple is squeezed. It is usually milky white or greenish in color. Discharge that is bloody or clear is more concerning.

• What causes nipple discharge?

  Discharge from the nipple is a common benign breast symptom. During pregnancy, nipple discharge is normal as the breasts get ready to produce milk. In women who are not pregnant, it can be caused by hormonal changes. Some medications can cause nipple discharge. Nipple discharge should be checked by an ob-gyn.

• What skin changes can affect the breasts?

  Breast skin can be affected by common skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. Yeast infection of the skin folds under the breast is a common condition. Women with large breasts are more likely to have skin yeast infections.

  Some skin changes of the breast raise concern for cancer. These include redness, warmth, dimpling of the skin, and ulcers (small, red, painful blisters). Nipple changes such as crusting, scaling, or a nipple that has changed shape also raise concern. Tell your ob-gyn about any skin changes that you notice.

• How are benign breast conditions evaluated?

  If you have breast symptoms, call your ob-gyn. You likely will have a breast exam. In some cases, you may need to have an imaging test of your breast. Breast imaging can be done with mammography, an ultrasound exam, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Imaging may be followed by a biopsy.

• What kind of follow-up will I need if I have a benign breast condition?

  Most benign breast conditions do not increase your risk of cancer, but some do. These include certain types of breast lumps. If you have a condition that increases the risk of cancer, more frequent clinical breast exams and imaging tests over the next 1 to 2 years may be recommended. Follow-up is based on your age, health risks, and test results.

• What is breast self-awareness?

  Breast self-awareness means being aware of how your breasts normally look and feel. Knowing what is normal for you will help you detect any changes that may signal a problem. Call your ob-gyn if you notice

  • a new lump

  • skin changes

    • skin thickening

    • dimpling

    • unexplained reddening

    • nipple scaling or redness

    • ulcers

  • pain (especially if it is in one place or is getting worse)

• Glossary

  Antibiotic: A drug that treats certain types of infections.

  Atypical Hyperplasia of the Breast: A condition in which cells in the breast ducts or lobes are increasing in number and do not look normal under a microscope.

  Benign: Not cancer.

  Biopsy: A minor surgical procedure to remove a small piece of tissue. This tissue is examined under a microscope in a laboratory.

  Cells: The smallest units of a structure in the body. Cells are the building blocks for all parts of the body.

  Cyst: A sac or pouch filled with fluid.

  Fibroadenoma: A type of solid, noncancerous breast mass.

  Hormone: A substance made in the body that controls the function of cells or organs.

  Hormone Therapy: Treatment in which estrogen and often progestin are taken to help relieve symptoms that may happen around the time of menopause.

  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A test to view internal organs and structures by using a strong magnetic field and sound waves.

  Mammography: X-rays of the breast that are used to find breast cancer or other breast problems.

  Mastitis: Infection of the breast tissue that can occur during breastfeeding.

  Menopause: The time when a woman’s menstrual periods stop permanently. Menopause is confirmed after 1 year of no periods.

  Menstrual Cycle: The monthly process of changes that occur to prepare a woman's body for possible pregnancy. A menstrual cycle is defined as the first day of menstrual bleeding of one cycle to the first day of menstrual bleeding of the next cycle.

  Menstrual Period: The monthly shedding of blood and tissue from the uterus.

  Nonproliferative: A term used to describe a noncancerous breast mass that contains normal cells

  Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in women’s health.

  Proliferative Without Atypia: A term that describes a noncancerous breast mass in which the cells are increasing in number but are otherwise normal.

  Ultrasound Exam: A test in which sound waves are used to examine inner parts of the body. During pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to check the fetus.