If you discovered a lump in your breast out of the blue, how would you feel? I'm sure that will be really terrifying and stressful. Breast lumps are any enlargements, or bumps, on the breast, and they can develop for a number of causes. Nonetheless, infections, trauma, cysts, fat necrosis, etc. are the most frequent causes of these breast lumps.

Everyone should always remember that while the majority of lumps are benign, some are not! See a doctor as soon as you discover a lump for breast lumps treatment! This is particularly true if, after some time, thebreast lumps do not go away on their own.  

What Exactly is a Breast Lump and Are They Dangerous?

A breast lump is a distinctive growth that appears in the breast all of a sudden, and in most cases, they are benign. Benign means they are not malignant! However, in certain cases, they might be the first sign of breast cancer. Only a medical professional can identify the cause behind breast lumps.

Do you want to know what exactly does a breast lump feel like? The answer is, that it totally depends on the type of the lump. Breast tissue or the region around your armpit generally develops breast lumps, and when this happens, the lump usually feels firmer or distinct from the surrounding breast tissues. Is it also typical to have a bumpy-feeling lump? Yes, it is. Some bumps are rounded, and some are asymmetrical in form.

You could also notice that the lump hurts or is sensitive to the touch. However, this doesn't always indicate a major issue! The discomfort could come and go during your menstrual cycle in some cases. Changes in your nipple, such as an inward curve, or the release of a clear or reddish discharge from the nipple, may occur! Recall that a lump in your breast while breastfeeding may be a cause of that breast engorgement or, in rare cases, a clogged milk duct.  

Types of Breast Lumps and the Usual Symptoms 

You may wonder, how many types of breast lumps are there. Breast lumps come in many different forms, and there are several potential grounds for both benign and malignant breast lumps' formation. Let's examine the many kinds of breast lumps and check their symptoms.

1. Noncancerous Lumps

First of all, we should talk about noncancerous lumps since these are more common! Breast lumps can differ greatly in size, sensation, and texture! These factors might aid in a doctor's diagnosis of the type of breast lump. Get diagnosed so that you can stop worrying about cancer! Here are the common non-cancerous types of breast lumps: 

• Breast Cysts

A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac that is benign or noncancerous! These often afflict women between the ages of thirty and fifty. But, they are quite uncommon after a woman reaches menopause. Sometimes, they don’t create any symptoms! A person might also experience pain or a smooth, rubbery mass under the skin in some cases. Although the exact etiology of breast cysts is unknown, menstruation-related hormones may cause them to form!

Cysts may be simple or complex, but in both situations, a physician could advise surgery to remove it. Remember that a solid cyst that recurs after surgery is often associated with underlying breast cancer!

• Fibroadenoma 

An abnormal development of glandular tissue in the breast is named a breast fibroadenoma, a benign tumor. They are often circular, rubbery, painless, and have smooth borders! These can affect people of all ages, but most frequently they are seen in females (between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five). Usually, fibroadenomas first become prominent, and then contract and vanish! On the other hand, someone who has a significant fibroadenoma could choose to have it surgically removed for aesthetic reasons!

• Abscesses

This is another rather common issue! Breast abscesses most commonly occur in nursing mothers. These are typically caused by a bacterial infection, like mastitis, and are never malignant. One could observe a lump in the breast, swelling, redness, or darkening of the skin in the surrounding region when this occurs.

Treatment entails emptying the abscess, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, in addition to antibiotics. Cancer testings are especially necessary if a patient develops a breast abscess while not nursing their baby.

• Fat Necrosis

Insufficient oxygen reaching the fatty tissue in the breast results in fat necrosis! This can deteriorate the health of the cells and eventually destroy them, and you should be cautious because both of these are serious conditions. It may occur following trauma, a biopsy, breast reconstruction surgery, or medicinal treatments! The common symptoms are changes in breast shape, discomfort, and lumps with a solid shell with fat or oil inside.

• Intraductal papillomas

A painful lump in boob can also be a Perineural papilloma, which is a benign kind of tumor that you should not worry about too much. These are growths in the breast ducts that resemble warts, and they frequently cause a clear or bloody discharge! Usually, they have an oval or circular shape and form under the nipple. A surgeon can easily remove Perineural papillomas, but to rule out cancer, a biopsy of the tissues is also often done!  

2. Cancerous Lumps

This is often seen as the worst-case scenario when it comes to breast lumps! And unfortunately, this is the first thought that comes to mind when any of us identify a breast lump! A painful lump in boob can be related to breast cancer in some cases. The common warning signs of this type of lump are skin irritation, swelling of the breast, and flaky skin on the breast. There might be no discomfort at all in some people, but the breast's size or form can change even for them!

Are you wondering how can it be detected so that you can start treatment? You are on the right path! Early treatment is always the best option for any weird growth in your body! Breast cancer can only be detected by a doctor after they perform a physical check of your breasts. Breast cancer symptoms can also be mistaken for those of other breast tumors, so cancer tests might also become necessary. As we have already mentioned, if you notice any changes in your breasts at all, it's an absolutely good idea to consult a doctor without delay. 

Final Remarks

Finding breast lumps is stressful since they can lead to serious health issues! You should remember that there are several types of breast lumps. But, even though these are widespread, they are often not malignant! In case you detect a lump in your breast, it is best that you get in touch with a healthcare expert immediately! This way they can quickly identify the type of the lump to offer treatment. Breast lumps treatment always depends on the type of the lump, and with effective treatment, they go away without causing you any harm at all. For cancerous breast lumps, surgery is often necessary. However, a full cure is totally possible if you get proper treatment early.