News and Articles
10.18.09
by Lucia M. Gregorio, M.D.
Many women are aware of the
importance of breast self-exams for the early detection of breast
cancer. Anytime a woman finds a lump, it is important that
she contact her health care provider immediately to have the lump
examined. But if a lump is not cancer, what is it?
There are three types of benign lumps. Cysts are
non-cancerous collections of fluid that develop anywhere in the
breast tissue. Fibroadenomas, which are also benign, are a
group of cells that often develop close to the surface of the
breast, and usually in younger women. Pseudolumps may be scar
tissue, fat, or simply a rib bone pressing into the breast tissue
and compressing it.
Some studies show that the
chances of developing benign breast changes are higher for women
who have never had children, have irregular menstrual cycles, or
have a family history of breast cancer.. For more information
or to schedule an appointment, please call ESTRELLA INTERNAL
MEDICINE and GERIATRICS CLINIC at 623-873-1500. See our
Location page on this web site for our address and
directions.
P.S. Pseudolumps can
appear after any type of breast surgery.