Benign tumors (lumps) of mammary gland

Information

Benign tumors (lumps) of mammary gland

What are the benign tumors of mammary gland?

They are divided mainly to fibroadenomas and cysts

Fibroadenomas are solid, single tumors (lumps) not fixed to the adjacent tissues. Most often they are met in woman under 30 years of age. They are formed from the growth of connective tissue and epithelium of mammary gland and are considered to be deviation from their normal development. The reason for their appearance is unknown, and hypersensitivity to estrogens is suggested.

Mammary gland cysts

They are considered to be deviation from the normal development of mammary gland. They are dilated milk ducts, filled with liquid. They appear in one of each 14 women, most often after 35 years of age, rarely prior to 25 years of age. They are influenced by the menstrual cycle and estrogens and disappear after menopause.

What are the symptoms?

Fibroadenomas do not cause complaints. Usually they are established accidentally at exam. They are palpated as mobile, single lumps.

Cysts are related with unpleasant, often painful sensations during menstrual cycle. Their smooth surface at palpation is specific and they are not so mobile as fibroadenomas.

How are diagnosed they?

Accurate interview and exam by specialist are carried out.

It is asked about the age, number of children, age during the first delivery, if there is pain, change in the size, relation to the menstrual cycle.

Mammography and echography are used. In any doubt for malignant process, biopsy or operation for elimination of lumps and their exam is recommended.

What is the therapy?

Fibroadenoma treatment is the same as the treatment of tumor in the breast. In most patients, it is necessary to have excision of lump by local anesthesia. Non-operative monitoring is recommended in women under 20 years of age.

If left without operation, fibroadenoma increases size by 1-3 cm for about 5 years and thereafter its size remains permanent or even reduces.

Repeated development of fibroadenoma after its excision is unusual.

Cysts are treated by aspiration of their content. Operative excision of cysts is recommended if their content is bloody or if appears again after aspiration.