A lump in the breast is not necessarily dangerous. Most of these lumps are actually benign breast tumors. In order to be able to distinguish benign breast tumors from malignant ones, see the explanation here.
Benign breast tumors are tumors that grow in the breast, do not form from malignant cells, and do not spread to other parts of the body. These tumors are also generally not dangerous to the sufferer's life.
Characteristic-CEnvy Benign Breast Tumor Lumps
Benign tumors in the breast can be distinguished from malignant or cancerous tumors based on their physical characteristics, namely:
Clear tumor boundaries
Lumps caused by benign breast tumors have clear boundaries with the surrounding tissue, unlike malignant tumors, where the margins of the lump are not well defined.
Feels supple and soft
Lumps due to benign breast tumors have a rubbery and soft consistency. Unlike the case with malignant tumors in breast cancer. Malignant tumors usually feel hard and solid.
Easy to move
Lumps due to benign breast tumors are usually easy to move. Conversely, if the tumor is malignant, the lump cannot be moved at all, as if it has merged with the surrounding tissue.
Types and Causes of Benign Breast Tumors
The following are some of the common types of benign breast tumors, along with their causes:
1. Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma is the most common type of benign breast tumor experienced by young women aged 15-35 years. Fibroadenoma occurs when cells in the glands and connective tissue in the breast grow excessively. The cause is thought to be the influence of hormones in a woman's body.
Lumps due to fibroadenoma generally go away on their own, but sometimes they persist and enlarge.
2. Fibrocystic
If lumps in your breasts come and go with your menstrual cycle, the cause is probably fibrocystic. The appearance of these fibrocystic lumps is caused by hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. This condition is generally experienced by women aged 20-50 years.
3. Breast cyst
Breast cysts are fluid-filled lumps that can form in one or both breasts. These lumps are not cancerous, so nothing to worry about. Women of all ages are prone to developing breast cysts, but they are most common in women aged 35-50 years.
Treatment for Benign Breast Tumors
In many cases, benign breast tumors do not require special treatment because they can shrink and go away on their own. A new medical procedure or surgery will be performed when a benign breast tumor gets bigger and causes pain.
Some of the medical procedures that can be done to treat benign breast tumors are:
Lumpectomy Surgery
This procedure is performed to remove a tumor or lump that is not too large, along with a small piece of healthy tissue around it.
Cryotherapy surgery
In the cryotherapy procedure, a special needle will be inserted directly into the area of the breast tumor. After that, through this needle, liquefied gas will be sprayed which can freeze and destroy tumor tissue.
Sometimes a tumor or lump can reappear in the breast after the tumor is removed. This does not mean that the tumor is malignant, but that there is a new benign tumor growing in the breast. Therefore, you need to check with your doctor regularly to make sure that no more tumor tissue grows.
A lump in the breast is often a benign breast tumor. You can recognize it from the characteristics described above. Even so, it's a good idea to check with your doctor to determine the type and cause of the lump.