A breast lump can be as a mass, swelling, thickness or fullness.

There are various causes for the lump in the breasts. Normally it can occur during the menstruation which goes on its way and do not require treatment. It is very common in woman between 30 t0 50 ages.

The common causes are

• Fibrocystic disease: Fibrocystic changes can cause the breasts to feel thicker and lumpier. They may also be swollen, sore or tender. Symptoms may be worse a week or two before your period.
• Cysts: Cysts are fluid filled sacs that can feel like lumps. Cysts tend to become larger and more painful before your period. Cysts are treated with aspiration by a syringe.
• Fibro adenoma: A fibro adenoma is a knot of fibrous and mammary gland tissue that feels like a solid lump. It is usually painless. It is also called mouse in breasts.
• Micro calcifications: These are deposits of calcium in one or both breasts. They are not caused by calcium in food or supplements. Certain patterns may be a sign of breast cancer.
• Breast cancer: These are tumors, have irregular shape.
  

Diagnosis of breast lumps

• Medical history.
• Breast examination.
• Mammogram.
• Breast ultrasound.
• Fine needle aspiration.
• Biopsy.
  

Treatment

• Fibro adenomas are treated with excision biopsy.
• Breast cancer lumps are treated with combination therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy.

When to see a doctor

• The breast lump is new or unusual and feels different from surrounding tissue in that breast or tissue in your other breast.
• The lump which does not disappear after your next periods.
• If there is noticeable change in the lump like getting better, firmer or more defined from surrounding tissue.
• If you have bloody discharge from the nipple.
• If the skin over the breast changes like redness, crusting, dimpling or puckering.
• If the nipple turned inwards (inverted).

Breast health for life

It is the best time to start taking care of your breasts. Mammograms, clinical examination and breast self-examination can help you to stay healthy.

Screening guidelines

• An annual mammogram and clinical breast examination from the age 40 onwards.
• A clinical breast examination every 3 years between ages 20 and 39.

Chances of developing a cancerous lump are low if you

1. Quit smoking.
2. Avoid or restrict alcohol.
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Eat a balanced, varied high-fiber, low fat and law-red meat diet.
5. Breast-feeding.