Breast Disorders

A fibroadenoma is a common benign tumor of the breast, typically composed of a mixture of fibrous and glandular tissue. This type of tumor is more common in the female breast and is usually harmless.
 

Causes:

The exact cause of fibroadenomas is not clear, but it may be related to changes in hormone levels. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause may influence the formation of fibroadenomas.
 

Characteristics:

• Palpable lump: Typically presents as a palpable lump, often painless in most cases.
• Cyclic changes: May become more prominent or larger during the menstrual cycle and may decrease or disappear after menstruation.
• Breast discomfort: Sometimes accompanied by breast discomfort such as pain or tenderness.

A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac within the breast tissue that can be either single or multiple. It typically presents as a benign condition and may or may not cause symptoms. In some cases, individuals may experience pressure or pain associated with the cyst. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through ultrasound examination. Most breast cysts do not require treatment; however, if they cause discomfort, aspiration or surgery may be considered.
 

Causes:

The exact cause of breast cysts is not fully understood, but hormonal fluctuations are believed to play a role. Changes in hormone levels, such as during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, can lead to the development of cysts within the breast tissue.

Characteristics:

• Palpable lump: Breast cysts are typically palpable as a lump, and the size and hardness may vary depending on the amount of fluid within the cyst.
• Cyclic changes: These cysts may exhibit changes in size and prominence during the menstrual cycle, often becoming more noticeable, and may decrease or disappear after menstruation.
• Discomfort: Some individuals may experience breast discomfort, such as pain, tenderness, or a stabbing sensation, associated with the cyst.

Breast calcifications are calcium deposits in the breast tissue that may indicate benign or malignant conditions. Usually asymptomatic, they are detected through mammography. Diagnosis is made via imaging, and if needed, a biopsy may follow. Treatment depends on pathology results: benign cases are monitored, while malignant cases require treatment.
 

Causes:

The formation of breast calcifications is often associated with calcium deposits within the breast tissue, which may result from normal breast changes, cystic changes in the breast, aging of breast tissue, or other factors.
 

Characteristics:

• Small spots or clusters: Breast calcifications typically appear as tiny spots or clusters of calcium on breast X-ray images.
• Variability: The shape, size, density, and distribution of calcifications can vary depending on individual circumstances.
• Benign or malignant: Most breast calcifications are benign, but sometimes they may be associated with breast cancer. Further investigations may be necessary to clarify the nature of the calcifications.

Mastitis is an infection or inflammation of the breast tissue, often occurring in breastfeeding women. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, fever, and tenderness, sometimes with purulent discharge. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and may involve ultrasound. Treatment usually requires antibiotics, and severe cases may need drainage.
 

Causes:

The primary cause of mastitis is the infection of breast tissue by bacteria, often entering through the nipple. Other potential causes include tissue damage, milk accumulation, improper breastfeeding positions, breast injuries, or breast duct blockages.
 

Characteristics:

• Breast redness, swelling, and pain: Breasts affected by mastitis typically exhibit symptoms of redness, swelling, and pain, often accompanied by tenderness or a burning sensation.
• Fever and general malaise: Patients may experience fever, localized breast warmth, breast enlargement, and overall fatigue.
• Changes in nipple discharge: Changes in nipple discharge, such as alterations in color, texture, or odor, may also occur.

A breast abscess is a pus-filled cavity caused by infection, usually forming within the breast tissue. Symptoms include a lump, redness, swelling, pain, and possibly fever. Diagnosis is confirmed through ultrasound. Treatment typically involves aspiration or surgical drainage, along with antibiotics.
 

Causes:

Breast abscesses are typically caused by bacterial infection of the breast tissue. The infection may arise from nipple cracks, mastitis, or other breast-related issues. If the infection is not controlled, it can lead to the accumulation of pus within the breast tissue, forming an abscess.
 

Characteristics:

• Significant swelling: Breasts affected by a breast abscess usually display noticeable swelling and redness, often accompanied by pain or a burning sensation.
• Pus drainage: In more severe cases, there may be a feeling of soft swelling at the affected area, sometimes with pus drainage.
• Fever and systemic symptoms: Patients may experience fever, general malaise, fatigue, localized breast warmth, and other systemic symptoms.

Fibrocystic breast changes are benign growths of breast tissue, common in women of childbearing age. Symptoms may include tenderness and multiple small nodules. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging and pathology. Treatment is usually unnecessary, but regular monitoring is important; medication may be considered for severe symptoms.
 

Causes:

The exact causes of breast hyperplasia are not entirely clear but may be related to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and nutritional status. Hormonal changes during periods like the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation, or menopause can impact breast tissue, leading to cell proliferation.
 

Characteristics:

• Palpable lump: Breast hyperplasia typically presents as a palpable lump, with variations in size and hardness among individuals, usually being painless.
• Cyclical changes: These lumps may increase or become more prominent during the menstrual cycle and may decrease or disappear after menstruation.
• Breast discomfort: Sometimes, breast hyperplasia may be accompanied by breast discomfort, such as pain, tenderness, or a stabbing sensation.

A phyllodes tumor is a rare benign tumor typically composed of fibrous tissue. It may be asymptomatic or present as a palpable lump. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through imaging and biopsy. Treatment generally involves surgical removal, as it can recur despite being benign.
 

Causes:

The exact cause of leaf-shaped tumors is not clear but may be related to hormonal levels, changes in breast tissue, and other physiological factors. Hormonal fluctuations, proliferation, or variations in breast tissue may lead to the formation of leaf-shaped tumors.
 

Characteristics:

• Palpable lump: Leaf-shaped tumors usually present as palpable lumps with irregular edges when touched.
• Tumor shape: The shape of leaf-shaped tumors may resemble leaves, sometimes showing specific imaging features on breast imaging studies.
• Associated discomfort: In some cases, leaf-shaped tumors may be accompanied by breast discomfort, such as pain, tenderness, or other symptoms of discomfort.