Benign Breast Disease

Benign breast disease makes patients more prone to getting breast lumps. It may be scary to find a breast lump, but these changes do not result in breast cancer. These breast changes are termed as benign. Some benign breast diseases such as atypical hyperplasia can increase the risk of breast cancer. Patients should consult their healthcare providers regarding any breast changes or lumps.

The non-cancerous lumps in the breast are known as benign breast diseases. Both men and women develop these lumps. Though the lumps are not cancerous, they may increase the chances of having breast cancer. These benign breast diseases (non-cancerous breast conditions) are most common in women. Half of the women suffer from fibrocystic changes that cause breast lumps. Changes in hormone levels result in breast changes.

There are various types of benign breast diseases. Some of these types are mostly not cancerous and do not require any treatment.

• Breast cysts –Breast lumps are fluid-filled cysts that are lumpy and tender.
• Fibroadenomas–These are solid breast tumours found in women aged between 15 to 35.
• Fibrocystic breast changes–These changes fluctuate the hormone levels making breasts denser.
• Hyperplasia–An overgrowth of cells that line mammary glands.
• Intraductal papilloma–This condition results in nipple discharge.
• Mammary duct ectasia–This condition causes an inverted nipple when swollen milk ducts are blocked.
• Traumatic fat necrosis–These lumps are formed when breast tissues are replaced by scar tissues.

Benign Breast Diseases Causes

Some causes of non-cancerous breast conditions include:

• Fibrocystic breast changes (changes in breast tissues)
• Mastitis (infection in the breast)
• Scar tissue due to breast injury
• Changes in hormones due to pregnancy, menstruation or menopause.
• Use of medications such as hormone therapy and birth control pills.
• Caffeinated beverages

Males also suffer from breast conditions (breast lumps) called gynecomastia. This condition is caused by changes in hormones, hormone therapy and being overweight. 

Benign Breast Diseases Symptoms 

The most common symptom of benign breast disease is breast lumps. These lumps are visible during the breast-self exam with the help of a mammogram. Other symptoms include:

• Mastalgia (pain in the breast)
• Discharge of nipple
• Scaly, inverted or cracked nipple
• Puckered, dimpled or scaly breasts
• Skin irritation

 Benign Breast Diseases Problems

Most non-cancerous breast changes are benign. These breast diseases are not life-threatening and can occur more than once. But benign breast diseases may result in breast cancer later on. Therefore, some breast lumps need to be treated earlier to reduce the chances of breast cancer.

Benign Breast Diseases Risks 

The factors which increase the risks of benign breast diseases if the patients have:

• A family history of benign breast diseases or breast cancer
• Undergone through hormone replacement therapy
• Hormonal imbalance

Why consult with Dr. Shilpy Dolas?

Dr. Shilpy Dolas is a consultant breast surgeon at Heart and breast care clinic Pune. She completed her graduation from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut in 2005 and post-graduation from DY Patil Hospital, Pune in 2007. Further, she is 2nd certified breast surgeon in India who completed two years of fellowship in breast disease treatment and cancer from a recognized university and Mazumder Shaw cancer centre in 2011. Dr. Dolas has completed her training at various reputed cancer centres like Maharashtra’s big cancer centre, Tata Memorial Hospital, etc. 

She is an expert in breast neoplastic surgeries, breast cancer surgeries, and breast reconstruction surgeries. Dr. Dolas has years of experience in treating breast-related problems. Patients with benign breast diseases should consult Dr Shilpy Dolas. She helps them to get rid of these diseases. Dr. Dolas performs non-invasive or minimally invasive surgeries to treat non-cancerous breast lumps. The treatment type provided will depend on the results of diagnosis and the type of breast lump. 

Clinic Centres 

Heart and breast care clinic, plot no. 78/A next to Pune polymer house, near magar stadium, Pimpri Colony, Pune.

FAQs

Q1. What type of follow-up will I need if I suffer from benign breast diseases?

Ans. Many benign breast diseases do not cause breast cancer. But if you suffer from breast conditions that cause breast cancer, then you will be recommended imaging tests and clinical breast exams for 1 to 2 years. The follow-up will be based on health risks, age and test results.

Q2. Which tests do I need to check breast lumps?

Ans. The doctors will recommend several tests for the diagnosis of breast lumps:

• Imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasounds or Mammogram.
• Lab tests of nipple discharge
• Biopsy