One of the common things taught to women is that lumps in the breast are an indicator of breast cancer. This is also true in some cases, but hormonal fluctuations and infections can also be the reason for lumps in the chest. If you notice a breast lump, it is advisable to seek medical help. Let’s see about breast lump and the link between breast lump and cancer.
What is a breast lump?
A swelling or bump in the breast that develops within the breast tissue is known as a breast lump. It can vary in size, texture, and shape, ranging from soft to firm. A breast lump can develop in one or both breasts and can be found near the surface of the skin. Sometimes the breast lump will be deeper within the breast tissue. Some breast lumps are easily movable, others may feel fixed or attached to the surrounding tissue. Trying breast cancer treatment in Coimbatore greatly helps in avoiding severe complications. Breast lump forms due to changes in the breast or growth of the breast, which is composed of fatty tissue and milk-producing glands. This type of breast lump can arise from connective tissue present in the breast. This may contain fluid or solid tissue.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer lumps?
Breast cancer lump symptoms have different characteristics, which can easily identify whether it is normal or cancer-causing lumps. The cancerous lump cannot move under the skin. Symptoms include:
- The irregular shape of the lump.
- Fixed in place.
- Painless in the early stage.
- Changes in the skin.
- Change of breast size or shape.
- Discharge in the nipple.
- Pain in the breast. These are the early signs of breast cancer.
What are the causes of breast cancer?
Age is the most important factor that increases the risk of breast cancer. As women get older, the chances of developing breast cancer become higher. This happens because of changes in cells, and the longer we live, the greater the chance that these cells will develop harmful mutations. These mutations result in turning breast cells into cancer cells.
Some other causes of breast cancer are:
- Family History
- Genetic Mutations
- Hormonal Factors
- Reproductive History
- Obesity and Overweight
What are the causes of normal breast lumps?
Breast lumps can develop for many reasons, and not all breast lumps are cancerous. Most of the breast lumps are non-cancerous. Some of the causes of the breast lump are:
Fibroadenomas: This type of breast lump is commonly seen in younger women and is firm, smooth, and movable. The breast lump does not need treatment unless it causes discomfort.
Cysts: This develops in the breast tissue with fluid-filled sacs after menstruation. This type of breast lump is harmless.
Fibrocystic changes: This type of breast lump can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, which affect breast tissue and make it feel lumpy, particularly during the menstrual cycle.
Infections: The mastitis type of infection in the breast can lead to the formation of a lump with redness, warmth, and pain.
Injuries or trauma: An injury in the breast can result in a tissue scar, which can create lumps in the chest.
Lipomas: This is a type of fatty growth that is non-cancerous and can form anywhere in the body, including breasts.
How are common breast lumps and cancer connected?
Common breast lumps and breast cancer lumps are connected because they have common characteristics, like both involve changes in breast cancer, but these conditions are not the same. Most breast lumps are benign, meaning they do not come under cancer and do not spread to other body parts. These lumps are caused by hormonal changes and fluid-filled cysts. This will affect most commonly young women. To find the difference between a normal and a cancer lump, visit the best cancer hospital in Coimbatore. On the other hand, breast cancer happens due to the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells. This type of lump, which causes cancer, will be hard and irregular in shape, and it will be attached to surrounding tissue. A cancer lump grows over time and may spread to other body parts if it is not treated at the right time. The connection between common lumps and cancer both feels like a lump in the breast.
What are the tests that help to find a cancerous lump?
Clinical breast examination
This is the first step when you visit a healthcare provider. This is a process where the doctor manually feels the lump and examines its size, texture, and mobility.
Mammogram
It is an X-ray process where breast abnormalities and unusual patterns are identified. This test is commonly used for women over 40 years old.
Breast Ultrasound
This imaging test uses sound waves to create a picture of the internal breast tissue. This ultrasound helps to identify whether it is a solid or fluid-filled cyst. This type of process will be used in younger women with denser breast tissue.
Biopsy
During this diagnosing process, a small sample of tissue from the lump is removed and examined under a microscope, and then the nature of the lump is identified.
Conclusion
There are both myths and facts about breast lumps. Understanding the difference between normal and cancer lumps helps find the correct way of treatment. Seeking medical help can improve the recovery process. The key to a better recovery process is to not panic if you have a lump in your breast, and at the same time, you should not ignore it.
