Traumatic causesĪny physical damage to the breast tissue may result in scar tissue that will probably feel like a lump. These lumps are caused by infection and not by any sort of tumor (benign or suspicious). It will cause the breast to look and feel hot, lumpy, reddened, and painful. Pre-menopause and menopause: The wide variations in hormone levels as the body adjusts to menopause can cause the breasts to become more dense and fibrous and somewhat more lumpy and tender.Ī bacterial infection of the milk duct is not uncommon in a breastfeeding mother.During breastfeeding: The milk ducts and milk-producing tissue are both enlarged and constantly changing during lactation and may feel different from hour to hour, depending on how much milk is in the breast.Pregnancy: The breasts will often feel lumpy during pregnancy because they are enlarging in preparation for breastfeeding.Menstrual cycle: Movable, rubbery lumps in the milk ducts and surrounding tissue are sometimes more evident at various points in the menstrual cycle, due to the varying levels of hormones.Hormonal changesīecause breast tissue is sensitive to female hormones, lumps may become more evident during certain points in a woman's life. If your breast lump does not go away, grows in size, becomes painful, or otherwise causes you distress, you should see a physician. The following details may help you better understand your symptoms. More serious: Painless lumps that appear only on one breast, or in or near one armpit, should be investigated further.Possibly serious: Any unexplained lump is more concerning, though most turn out to be benign.Not serious: All breasts have some degree of lumpiness and fibrous tissue in them, which is normal.The severity of your breast lump will ultimately be determined by the cause. Cysts in women over 40: Cysts are benign fluid-filled sacs in the breast.Fibroadenomas in women under 40: Fibroadenomas are benign, rubbery, easily moveable masses consisting of breast tissue and fibrous connective tissue.The following people are more likely to be affected by breast lumps. Persistent: Others breast lumps may appear for no apparent reason and remain.Temporary: Some lumps are temporary and connected to trauma, infection, or certain medications.Cyclical: Some lumps may come and go related to the menstrual cycle.Your breast lump symptoms may be temporary or persistent, depending on the cause. Found in the breast itself or in the armpit.Small and firm, like the tip of your nose.Found either in the breast itself or in the armpitĬommon characteristics of suspicious breast lumps.Common characteristics of benign breast lumpsīenign breast lumps are most often described as the following. There can be variations in every breast lump, and anything you feel uncertain about should be examined by your physician.
The following descriptions are very general. Occasionally, lumps are caused by infection or injury. Breast lumps in women are usually due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation (nursing), or aging. It is only concerning when you find a lump that seems out of place or different than the surrounding tissue.
You shouldn't be concerned if both breasts have the same degree of "lumpiness".
Healthy breast tissue is naturally lumpy because if contains ducts and tissue designed for milk production. It's unlikely that anyone wants to describe something in their body as a "lump," however, lumps in the breast are common and are not necessarily dangerous.