Benign Breast Conditions

Common non-cancerous (benign) breast conditions include:

• Fibroadenomas: Solid, non-cancerous tumors that often occur in women during their reproductive years. A fibroadenoma is a firm, smooth, rubbery lump with a definite shape. It moves under skin when touched and usually is painless.
• Fibrocystic changes: Fibrocystic changes are normal physiological alterations in the breast that can include swelling before a menstrual cycle, lumpiness or cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs. They are very common, occurring in at least half of all women. In most cases the changes are harmless. They do not increase breast cancer risk. However, if breasts are very lumpy, performing a breast self-exam is more challenging. Becoming familiar with what's normal for you through self-exams will help make detecting any new lumps or changes easier.
• Calcium deposits (microcalcifications): These minute deposits of calcium can appear anywhere in your breast and often show up on a mammogram. Many women have one or more areas of microcalcifications of various sizes. Secretions from cells, cellular debris, inflammation, trauma or prior radiation may cause them. The majority of calcium deposits are harmless, but a small percentage may be pre-cancerous or cancer. If any appear suspicious, your physician will probably recommend additional tests.

Click the links on the left margin to review information regarding pre-malignant breast conditions and breast cancer.