About Breast Masses

Overview

A breast mass refers to any lump in the breast, and it is one of the most common reasons for visiting a hospital for a breast-related problem. About 80% are discovered accidentally by the patient herself, and the remaining 20% are found through screening or medical examination. In Korea, the incidence of breast cancer is relatively high among younger age groups, so it is important for women to perform a monthly self-examination. If a breast mass is found through self-examination or screening, a medical evaluation is needed to identify the underlying cause.

Causes

The causes of breast masses, in order, are breast cysts, fibroadenomas, and breast cancer.

1. Breast cyst A breast cyst is commonly called a "water cyst" and refers to a lump that is hollow inside. Breast cysts are affected by hormones secreted by the ovaries and change according to the menstrual cycle. Breast cysts mainly occur in women over 35, increase until menopause, and then decrease in frequency after menopause. If a postmenopausal woman takes female hormone medication, a breast cyst may newly develop. Breast cysts are benign, and having a breast cyst does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

2. Fibroadenoma Fibroadenoma is the most common breast condition in Korean women and occurs when part of the breast tissue grows excessively. It mainly occurs in young women in their 20s and 30s. Because fibroadenomas are affected by hormones, their size may change according to the menstrual cycle. They tend to increase in size during pregnancy and breastfeeding and decrease in size after menopause. Fibroadenomas are benign, and having a fibroadenoma does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

3. Breast cancer A breast mass is the most common symptom of breast cancer. Women aged 50 or older, those with a family history of breast cancer, those who have not given birth or have not breastfed, those taking female hormone therapy or oral contraceptives, those exposed to radiation, and those with obesity are known risk factors for breast cancer. Therefore, if a breast mass is felt in a woman who has risk factors for breast cancer, a thorough examination for breast cancer is essential.

4. Others Other causes of breast masses include hamartoma of the breast, fibrocystic changes, intraductal papilloma, abscess due to mastitis, and atypical hyperplasia.

So far, I have explained the causes of breast masses. In the next part, we will look at the symptoms and diagnosis of breast masses.

Source: Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Health Information Portal