The breast is one of the most important parts of the female body. Many times even the slightest discomfort can cause concern, however, it is important to note that most “suspicious” findings concern benign conditions, not related to cancer.

Let’s check some of the most common:

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

This condition is related to the breasts’ response to changes in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle. This hormonal stimulation causes the milk ducts to swell and retain fluid, causing the breasts to be heavy, painful to the touch and full of small lumps. Often, women are in so much pain that they find it difficult to even touch their breasts. The discomfort is increased from the second half of the menstrual cycle until a few days before the period, while green or dark brown discharge can be observed.

Fibroadenoma

With this term we refer to benign solid tumors that appear mainly in women of reproductive age and may present an increase in pregnancy and in case of estrogen intake. If the size of the fibroadenoma does not exceed 2 cm and the imaging is good, a six-month follow-up is recommended. In case its size increases or its shape changes, we proceed with its surgical removal and biopsy.

Breast cysts

Breast cysts are quite common and their appearance is related to hormonal changes. They are common among women of reproductive age and their size can change depending on the day of the menstrual. Cysts still appear in women close to menopause, but also in postmenopausal women receiving hormone therapy. Most of the time they do not cause symptoms while they are often not detected by the patient or the doctor during palpation. The largest cysts located near the skin of the breasts, have the form of a tumor, causing intense anxiety in women when they are detected. To definitively rule out any suspicion of cancer, imaging tests and a biopsy are recommended.