Breast Disorders | OB-GYN

OB-GYN

Breast Disorders

Finding a breast lump is worrisome, but most lumps are not breast cancer. We use the latest techniques to diagnose and treat all types of breast disorders.

Medically reviewed by Kristen Pellegrino, M.D. on Oct. 26, 2023.

Woman getting a mammogram with a female health care provider at the computer

Helping You Through Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Disorders

Some types of benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions may increase your risk of developing cancer. We have expertise in treating all types of breast conditions.

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Types of Breast Disorders

Most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), but they still may cause pain.

Benign breast disorders include:

  • Benign Phyllodes tumors: Breast lumps that grow on connective tissue. They may grow slowly or quickly.
  • Breast cysts: Lumps filled with fluid.
  • Fat necrosis: When an injury to your breast leads to the formation of scar tissue.
  • Fibroadenomas: Solid breast lumps that may grow, shrink or disappear over time.
  • Hyperplasia: A condition where clumps of cells grow inside your milk ducts or glands.
  • Intraductal papilloma: Small wart-like growths that form inside your milk duct near your nipple. 
  • Mastitis: Inflammation in your breast typically caused by a blockage in your milk duct.
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Symptoms of Breast Disorders

Symptoms of breast disorders depend on the type of condition you have. Symptoms of benign breast conditions can be similar to symptoms of breast cancer. So, seeing your provider if you have a new breast lump or breast changes is important.

Common Symptoms

You may experience:
  • Breast pain 
  • Changes in breast shape or size 
  • Dimples or creases on your breasts or nipples 
  • Nipple discharge 
  • Skin changes on your breasts or nipples 
  • Breast lump 
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Causes of Breast Disorders

The cause of breast disorders is often unknown. Common causes of benign breast conditions include:

Infection

An infection in your milk duct may lead to mastitis.

Injury

An injury to your breast may cause lumpy scar tissue to form (fat necrosis).

Hormone Changes

Natural hormone changes during pregnancy and menstruation can cause breast lumps. Hormone medications, including hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy, can also cause changes that lead to a breast disorder.

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Diagnosing Breast Disorders

We use the most advanced techniques and equipment to diagnose breast disorders.

If you have a new breast lump, you may need one or more tests, including:

  • Biopsy: Your provider uses a thin needle to take a sample of cells from the breast lump. A pathologist examines the cells for signs of cancer or other problems.
  • Imaging scans: Mammogram, MRI and ultrasound scans create an image of your breast and may show what type of lump you have. We have a team of technologists who specialize in breast imaging.
  • Nipple discharge test: Nipple discharge can be tested for blood.

Treatments for Breast Disorders at UC Davis Health

Benign breast disorders typically do not require treatment. But if you have large or painful lumps, we can help.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are the main treatment if an infection caused your breast condition.

Fine Needle Aspiration

Your provider uses a thin needle to drain cysts that have become large or painful.

Surgery

Lumpectomy is a procedure to remove breast lumps. You may consider reconstructive surgery if removing large lumps changes the shape or symmetry of your breasts. We have extensive expertise in the latest breast reconstruction procedures.

More than

70%Of women experience fibrocystic breast changes

Women ages

30-50Most commonly get breast cysts

Source: National Institutes of Health: Breast Cyst

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