Breast changes over the course of a woman’s life are common.
And most breast lumps turn out to be benign.Benign growths feel soft or squishy and may move freely.
A malignant tumor may feel firm and may not move around.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Breast lumps are only due tobreast cancersometimes.
This article will help explain the differences between noncancerous and cancerous tumors.
It can help them to determine whether a lump is a breast cancer tumor or a benign mass.
Signs of Cancerous Masses
Cancerous masses in the breast are often very firm, like a rock.
They have an irregular shape and size.
you’re free to’t really move them around by pushing on them.
They’re also not likely to be painful, though they can be in some cases.
On exam, other changes may be present as well.
Instead, you may see redness, swelling, and sometimes a rash on the skin of the breast.
Signs of Benign Breast Masses
In contrast to breast cancer tumors, benign lumps are often squishy.
They may feel like a soft rubber ball with well-defined margins.
They’re often easy to move around (mobile) and may be tender.
Infections in the breast can cause redness and swelling.
Those symptoms aren’t associated with cancer.
Cysts andfibroadenomasare the two most common causes of benign breast masses.
A cyst is a pocket filled with fluid.
Cysts in female breast tissue are most common between the ages of 35 and 50 and just before menopause.
They’re rarely cancerous.
A fibroadenoma is a smooth, solid, firm lump that is not cancerous.
Fibroadenomas feel rubbery and are not painful.
Appearance on a Mammogram
Cancerous and benign masses may appear similar on amammogram.
However, some findings are more common in one than the other.
Mass Due to Cancer
A breast cancer tumor on a mammogram is often irregular.
The edges of the mass don’t look smooth.
They also may appear jagged.
Cancers often appear bright when looking at mammogram pictures.
Appearance on an Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound can detect some lumps that a mammogram cannot.
It is also used to help diagnose masses found on a mammogram.
This means the area is solid.
Hard cysts have a higher chance of being malignant than cysts filled with fluid.
On ultrasound, a breast cancer tumor is often seen as hypoechoic.
It has irregular borders and may appear spiculated.
Other ultrasound findings that suggest breast cancer include:
With benign masses, a fluid-filled cyst may be noted.
That’s especially true in people who havedense breasts.
During a breast MRI, a contrast agent is injected into the bloodstream.
Breast masses have distinct qualities when viewed by using a mammogram, MRI, or other imaging technique.
A brighter rim on the outside of the mass is also common.
Cancerous tumors also often have what’s called rapid signal intensity.
Benign Breast Tumor
On an MRI, benign breast masses often have smooth borders or are lobulated.
Any enhancement is usually minimal or patchy.
Appearance With a Biopsy
When abreast biopsyis done, tissue is removed and sent to apathologist.
They will look at it under a microscope.
Usually, special genetic studies are done as well.
They also may look quite different, depending on the tumor’s growth and grade.
Cancer cellsdiffer from normal cells in many ways.
The cells may be arranged in clusters.
They also may be seen invading blood vessels or lymphatic vessels.
These centers will stain darker with special dyes.
Often, there are extra nuclei rather than just one center.
Summary
Breast changes are common and most are not cancerous.
If you find a lump, contact your healthcare provider right away.
A breast biopsy may be needed on the basis of these other findings.
An early diagnosis is the best way to have a good outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a benign breast tumor cannot become malignant.
These can spread to nearby breast tissues, and from there, move into other areas of the body.
Cancerous breast tumors cannot be completely prevented, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk.
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