Benign Breast Conditions

Finding a lump or noticing a change in your breasts can make you worry. However, it may ease your mind to know that most breast lumps or changes are benign, or non-cancerous. It’s important to visit your provider right away, so they can take a closer look.

Common Types of Benign Breast Problems 

Common non-cancerous breast problems include:

• Changes in breast skin caused by psoriasis, eczema or other skin conditions
• Cysts – Fluid-filled sacs
• Fibroadenomas – Very common, solid, round lumps that move easily
• Fibrocystic breasts – Changes caused by hormones during your menstrual cycle
• Intraductal papilloma – A milk duct growth
• Lipoma – A slow-growing fatty mass
• Mastitis – A breast tissue infection that often affects women who are breastfeeding
• Milk cyst – A harmless milk-filled cyst
• Nipple discharge – Typically a milky white or greenish substance that comes out of the breast
• Trauma or injury

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you notice any changes in your breasts, call your doctor. You may need a mammogram or another imaging test to determine the cause. Most benign breast conditions do not increase your risk of developing breast cancer and are easily treated if they don’t go away on their own.