Breast Lump
Breast lumps are localized swellings that feel different from the surrounding breast tissue. Breast lumps can be caused by infections, injuries, non-cancerous growths, and cancer. Breast lumps are common. Do not worry, they are not necessarily cancerous. Over 90% of breast lump are harmless. They vary in size and consistency. Sometimes they can be associated tenderness especially varying with menstrual cycle.
Causes of breast lump
- Lumps in a woman are often caused by :
- Fibrocystic changes
- Fibroadenomas
- Cysts
- Breast cancer
- Injury
- Lipoma
- Milk cysts (sacs filled with milk) and infections (mastitis), which may turn into an abscess.
Consult your doctor if:
- A new breast lump that doesn’t go away after periods
- Lump becoming bigger
- Skin change on breast like redness, dimpling or puckering
- Nipple getting inverted
- Discharge from nipple
- Severe pain
Clinical breast examination
- Family history of breast cancer
- Risk factors
- Unusual breast symptoms
- Examination of breasts
- Skin on breasts
- Nipple changes and discharge
- Deeper breasts and armpits examination
Investigations
- Mammogram
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Fine-needle aspiration
- Breast biopsy
- Core needle biopsy
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy
- Stereotactic biopsy
- Surgical biopsy
- Vacuum assisted biopsy
Self-Care At Home
- Limit intake of caffeine
- Vitamin E
- Warm compresses
- Make note of changes
Treatments for breast lumps
- Pain medicines for relief
- Antibiotics if there is infection
- Acupuncture and Acupressure
- Homeopathy
- Medication can often help relieve breast pain, and antibioticscan treat any bacterial infections that may have caused the lump to develop.
- Surgery may be carried out to cut out the lump. This will normally be done undergeneral anaesthetic (where you are asleep) and you will usually be able to go home the same day.
- In some cases, a needle may need to be used to drain away any fluid or pus within the breast lump. Local anaestheticwill be used to numb the area being treated so you don’t feel any pain while this is carried out.
- Homeopathy is very helpful in treatment of breast lump. They are safe and effective. These medicines nourish breast tissue and works at the root cause to treat breast lump. Homeopathy also regulates menstruation and hormonal system.
It is important for women with a breast lump to receive appropriate evaluation. See your health care provider if you have any new lumps or breast changes. Ask about your risk factors for breast cancer, and screening and prevention for breast cancer.
