Breast tissue changes over a woman’s lifetime. When an abnormality is found in the breast that is not life threatening, it is referred to as a benign breast condition. Some of these conditions may indicate an increased risk for breast cancer. Treatment for these conditions may or may not be needed, depending on a woman’s overall medical situation.

During a clinical breast exam, a self- breast exam or routine mammography, a benign breast condition may be detected. Further testing will be done to determine the nature of the finding. A ductoscope may be used to visualize the ducts within your breast to determine the nature of any abnormalities. Some common types of benign breast disease are:

Cysts: Accumulations of fluid in the breast are referred to as cysts. Cysts are non-cancerous and are noticed as smooth, rounded lumps. The definite cause of cysts is unknown but their appearance does seem to be related to hormonal activity. Once identified as a cyst, it is usually left alone unless it is causing discomfort. Sometimes, a fine needle aspiration may be performed on a painful cyst to drain the fluid.

Fibrocystic Breast Condition: This condition describes a variety of changes in the breast tissues. Symptoms may include accumulated pockets of fluid (cysts), formation of scar like connective tissue (fibrosis), lumpiness, tenderness, areas of thickening, or breast pain. Fibrocystic breast condition is not cancer but can sometimes make breast cancer more difficult to detect by mammography.

Fibroadenomas: Fibroadenomas tend to be round and have borders that are distinct from the surrounding breast tissue. They are common and are benign tumors. Often, they go away on their own. Depending on the size of the fibroadenoma, some growths can be frozen while still in the body through a minimally invasive procedure known as cryoablation. This is done in a clinical office setting. If the fibroadenoma is large enough, it may need to be surgically removed in an operating room.

Intraductal Papillomas: These are wart-like growths that spread like a branch, and often involve the large milk ducts near the nipple. This may cause bloody nipple discharge. A ductogram is used to detect papillomas. Surgical removal involves removing the papilloma as well as a segment of the duct where the papilloma is found.

Breast Pain
Breast pain in one or both breasts is a very common complaint. Most often, breast pain is cyclical, occurring on a monthly cycle due to changes in a woman’s hormone levels. This type of breast pain usually ends when menstruation ends and a woman has reached menopause. Non-cyclical breast pain may be caused by other factors. Women who have had an injury to their breast sometimes experience this type of pain. Other conditions that may cause this type of pain include arthritis, oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy, weight gain, and improperly fitting bras.

Breast pain is not normally associated with breast cancer but any change in your breast health should be reviewed with your health care provider.