What is Benign Breast Disease? Symptoms, Types & Causes – Dr. Garvit Chitkara

Finding a lump in the breast can be a terrifying thing. It is often assumed that the lump could be cancerous. But sometimes, these lumps can be benign, meaning they are not cancerous and can go away on their own. That is the reason it is essential to contact your doctor as soon as possible to get the lump checked.

In this article, Dr. Garvit Chitkara discusses benign breast disease.

What is Benign Breast Disease?

If you feel a lump in your breast, your first instinct might be that it is cancer. But thankfully, benign breast lumps are not cancerous. The word benign means non-cancerous. This is known as benign breast disease. 

Benign breast lumps are very common in women. Almost half the women experience this at some point in their life. Fluctuating hormone levels often cause changes in breast tissues. 

Dr. Garvit Chitkara is one of the best breast oncologist in Mumbai, has over 10 years of experience in breast surgical oncology, and has successfully treated many patients. He provides benign breast diseases treatment in Mumbai

Who Can Get Benign Breast Disease?

According to Dr. Chitkara, you might be prone to benign breast disease if the following conditions meet: 

• If you have a family history of benign breast disease or breast cancer
• If you use hormone replacement therapy
• If you have a hormonal imbalance

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Types

There are several different types of benign breasts diseases. They don’t primarily increase your risk for breast cancer and don’t require to be treated, says Dr. Chitkara:

• Breast cysts: Almost a quarter of the breast lumps are lumps that are filled with fluid. They can be lumpy and tender but don’t increase your risk for cancer. They generally go away on their own without being treated.
• Fibroadenomas: Fibroadenomas are the most prevalent kind of non-cancerous solid breast tumor in women. They do not enhance your cancer risk and usually disappear after some time.

• Changes in fibrocystic breasts: When your hormone levels vary, your breasts might feel painful, thick, and lumpy, especially before your periods.
• Hyperplasia: Hyperplasia is caused by a cell overgrowth in the lining of the mammary glands or ducts. This disease does not necessitate treatment and does not raise your chances of developing cancer.
• Traumatic fat necrosis: This condition occurs when scar tissue replaces wounded breast tissue due to an accident, radiation therapy, or surgery. These lumps are not cancerous and do not require treatment.

Symptoms

The most evident symptom is that you feel a lump during a self-breast exam. You may also notice changes in your breasts. 

Sometimes a mammogram can also detect the changes. Aside from a breasts lump, other signs of benign breasts disease can include the following:

• Breasts pain
• Nipple discharge
• Change in the shape, size, or color of the breasts 
• Inverted, creased, or scaly nipples
• Dimpled or puckered breasts

Causes

Common causes of benign breasts disease can include:

• Changes in breasts tissue
• Breasts infection
• Hormonal fluctuations

• Use of medications like contraceptives
• Scar tissue from breasts surgery

Diagnosis

According to Dr. Chitkara, who provides benign breasts disease treatment in Mumbai, if you can feel a lump or see any changes in your breasts, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. 

A mammogram or your doctor will detect a change. The doctor may ask you to get one or more of the following tests: 

• Imaging scans, like mammograms
• Lab test for nipple discharge to check for cancer
• Image-guided core needle breasts biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, or excisional biopsy will be used to screen for cancer.

Treatment

Most benign diseases don’t require any treatment. Your doctor will advise you to get treatment if you have benign breasts disease that can increase your risk of getting breasts cancer.

If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain or have a risk of getting cancer, the following benign breasts disease treatments can be helpful:

• A fine needle is used to drain cysts filled with fluids
• Surgery to get rid of lumps
• Antibiotics for infections 

Conclusion: 

Benign breasts diseases are generally cured on their own. But it is essential to get yourself diagnosed at a doctor’s office so they can confirm that the lump you feel in your breasts is benign. Even though benign breasts disease doesn’t mean that you have cancer, it can increase your risk for cancer in the future. So it is crucial to seek treatment for it.