Breast Mass or Lump: What can it be if it's not cancer? The most common benign breast masses we see.

2breastsurgeons
26 May 201812:41
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this informative video, the hosts discuss various types of benign breast masses, emphasizing that not all lumps are cancerous. They explain that fibroadenomas are common in younger patients, cysts often occur in older individuals, and papillomas may cause nipple discharge. They also address fat necrosis, which can mimic breast cancer, and reassure viewers that sometimes what feels like a mass is just dense breast tissue. The video encourages seeking medical advice for breast concerns and stresses the importance of not self-diagnosing.

Takeaways
  • 📌 Not all breast lumps are cancerous; it's essential to understand the difference between benign and malignant masses.
  • 👩‍⚕️ Fibroadenomas are common benign breast masses, typically found in younger patients aged 18 to 35, and are well-circumscribed, mobile, and solid.
  • 🔎 Diagnostic procedures like ultrasounds and mammograms are crucial for evaluating breast lumps and determining their nature and size over time.
  • 🩺 Treatment options for fibroadenomas include regular follow-ups, biopsies, and surgical removal if the mass changes or causes anxiety.
  • 💧 Cysts are fluid-filled breast masses often found in older populations and are associated with the perimenopausal period.
  • 🥊 Cysts can cause tenderness due to pressure from the accumulated liquid, and their treatment may involve aspiration to relieve discomfort.
  • 🌟 Papillomas are benign growths within breast ducts and may present with nipple discharge; they are often removed but sometimes can be left untreated after discussion with the patient.
  • 💬 Nipple discharge can be physiological or pathological; the former is benign and may present in both breasts, while the latter may indicate a more serious issue.
  • 🚫 Fat necrosis, often seen in post-operative patients, can mimic the appearance of breast cancer but does not require treatment once identified.
  • 🔍 In some cases, a perceived breast mass may be due to dense breast tissue rather than an actual mass; further investigation with imaging is necessary for confirmation.
  • 🤝 It's important to consult a healthcare professional for any breast concerns rather than self-diagnosing; regular check-ups and open communication with doctors are key.
Q & A

  • What is the most common type of benign breast mass seen in younger patients?

    -The most common type of benign breast mass seen in younger patients is a fibroadenoma.

  • What are the typical age range and clinical examination findings for a fibroadenoma?

    -Fibroadenomas most often occur in patients aged 18 to 35. On clinical examination, they present as well-circumscribed, mobile masses.

  • How often should patients with a fibroadenoma have follow-up ultrasounds?

    -Patients with a fibroadenoma should have follow-up ultrasounds at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, totaling a two-year follow-up period.

  • What are the treatment options for a fibroadenoma?

    -The treatment options for a fibroadenoma include ultrasound follow-up, biopsy, and surgical removal in certain cases.

  • What is the difference between simple cysts and those that require removal?

    -Simple cysts do not have a solid component and are typically observed without surgical removal. Cysts may be removed if they cause pain or are large enough to distort the breast.

  • How can nipple discharge be categorized and what are the concerning types?

    -Nipple discharge can be categorized into physiological and structural. Structural discharge from a single duct in a single breast, especially if it's clear or bloody, is concerning and may be associated with breast masses.

  • What is papilloma and how is it typically managed?

    -Papillomas are benign growths within the breast ducts that can present with bloody nipple discharge. They are often found close to the nipple and are usually removed, but in some cases, they may not be removed after discussion with the patient and based on the pathology results.

  • What is fat necrosis and how can it be distinguished from breast cancer?

    -Fat necrosis is the death of fatty tissue, often occurring after surgery or injury. Clinically, it can resemble breast cancer. Ultrasound can often determine it is fat necrosis, and sometimes a biopsy may be required.

  • What happens when a patient reports a breast mass but further investigation reveals nothing?

    -If a patient reports a breast mass but ultrasound or mammogram reveals no real mass, it could be due to dense breast tissue. Patients should be reassured and advised to see a doctor if they have breast concerns.

  • What should a patient do if they feel a breast mass?

    -If a patient feels a breast mass, they should see a doctor and not attempt to self-diagnose. Regular assessments and investigations are crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

  • What other benign breast pathologies are mentioned as being found on breast screening exams?

    -Other benign breast pathologies found on screening exams include radial scar, sclerosing adenosis, metaplasia, and hyperplasia. These are complex subjects and should be consulted in a table for further understanding.

Outlines
00:00
🌟 Understanding Common Benign Breast Masses

This paragraph discusses the various types of benign breast masses, emphasizing that not all lumps are cancerous. It highlights fibroadenomas as common in younger patients, often well-defined, mobile, and circumscribed masses. Ultrasound or mammogram investigations are recommended, and in rare cases, these masses might transform into malignant tumors. Treatment options include follow-up, biopsy, and surgical removal. The paragraph also touches on the topic of cysts, which are liquid-filled masses more common in older patients, often associated with the perimenopausal period. Cysts can be identified through their typical ultrasound appearance and usually require no treatment unless they cause discomfort or distortion.

05:02
🔍 Addressing Papillomas and Nipple Discharge

This section delves into papillomas, benign growths within breast ducts that may present with nipple discharge. It explains that patients often associate nipple discharge with serious conditions, but it can be benign and physiological. The distinction between physiological and structural nipple discharge is clarified, with the latter being a cause for concern. Papillomas are usually benign and may require removal depending on the patient's pathology and discussion. The conversation then shifts to nipple discharge, which can be normal or indicative of an issue. Physiological discharge is typically bilateral and varies in color, whereas structural discharge from a single duct may signify a problem. The importance of medical assessment for breast concerns is stressed, rather than self-diagnosis.

10:05
🩺 Clinical Approach to Breast Masses and Dense Tissue

The final paragraph addresses the clinical approach when a patient reports a breast mass. It explains that sometimes, what feels like a mass is just dense breast tissue, which can vary with hormonal changes. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of a thorough clinical and radiological examination to rule out a real mass. Reassurance is provided that normal variations in breast tissue are common, but any persistent mass should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to consult a doctor for breast concerns and not to self-diagnose. It also mentions other benign breast pathologies found during screenings, which are not covered in detail but are presented in a table for further reference.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Breast Lump
A breast lump is a mass or swelling that can be felt in the breast tissue. In the context of the video, it is important to understand that not all breast lumps are indicative of cancer. The video aims to educate viewers about the various benign breast masses that can occur and how they are typically managed or treated.
💡Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenomas are benign solid lesions that commonly occur in younger patients, typically between the ages of 18 to 35. They are well-circumscribed, mobile masses that can be identified during a clinical exam. Although rare, they can transform into a malignant mass if they reach a certain size.
💡Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. In the video, ultrasound is used to investigate breast masses, helping to determine whether they are benign or malignant, and to monitor their size and appearance over time.
💡Biopsy
A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to determine the nature of the tissue, such as whether it is benign or malignant. In the context of the video, a biopsy may be recommended for patients with breast masses to confirm the diagnosis and rule out cancer.
💡Cysts
Cysts are liquid-filled masses that can occur in the breast. They are often associated with the older population, particularly those nearing menopause. Cysts can cause discomfort or tenderness due to the pressure from the accumulated fluid.
💡Papillomas
Papillomas are benign extragrowths that occur within the ducts of the breast. They can present with a bloody discharge from the nipple and are typically found close to the nipple. Although most papillomas are benign, they can be removed if necessary after discussion with the patient and review of pathology results.
💡Nipple Discharge
Nipple discharge refers to any fluid that comes out of the nipple. It can be a normal physiological occurrence or indicative of an underlying issue. The video distinguishes between physiological discharge, which is benign and often multi-duct, and structural discharge, which is a cause for concern and typically comes from a single duct.
💡Fat Necrosis
Fat necrosis occurs when fatty tissue dies, often as a result of surgery, injury, or trauma. It can present as a mass that is clinically similar in appearance to breast cancer, causing worry for patients. However, once diagnosed as fat necrosis through imaging or biopsy, no treatment is required.
💡Breast Density
Breast density refers to the proportion of glandular and fibrous tissue relative to fat tissue in the breast. Dense breast tissue is denser than fatty tissue and can sometimes give the sensation of a mass, which may cause concern for patients. However, this is often a normal variation and not indicative of a true mass.
💡Benign Breast Masses
Benign breast masses are non-cancerous growths that can occur in the breast tissue. The video aims to educate viewers about the various types of benign breast masses, such as fibroadenomas, cysts, papillomas, and fat necrosis, and their typical management strategies.
💡Breast Pathology
Breast pathology refers to the study of diseases and conditions affecting the breast. The video touches on the broad range of breast pathologies, including benign conditions that may be found during breast screening exams and that can lead to biopsies, such as radial scar, sclerosing adenosis, and hyperplasia.
Highlights

Valerie introduces the topic of benign breast masses and their commonality.

Not all breast lumps are cancer, which is a crucial distinction to make.

Fibroadenomas are the most common benign breast masses seen in younger patients, typically aged 18 to 35.

Fibroadenomas are well-circumscribed, mobile masses that can be identified during a clinical exam.

Ultrasounds or mammograms can confirm the typical appearance of fibroadenomas.

Fibroadenomas rarely transform into malignant masses or Philotas tumors.

Treatment options for fibroadenomas include ultrasound follow-up, biopsy, and surgical removal.

Cysts are liquid-filled breast masses often seen in patients aged 35 to 50 and are associated with the perimenopausal period.

Cysts can cause tenderness due to the pressure from the liquid they contain.

Simple cysts, which have no solid component, only require observation and do not need surgical removal.

Papillomas are benign growths within the breast ducts that can present with nipple discharge.

Investigations for papillomas include ultrasound and a galactography, which involves injecting contrast into the ducts.

Nipple discharge can be physiological or structural; the latter is a cause for concern.

Clear or bloody nipple discharge may indicate a structural issue and requires further investigation.

Fat necrosis, often seen in post-operative patients, can mimic the appearance of breast cancer.

Investigations such as ultrasound or biopsy can confirm the presence of fat necrosis.

Sometimes, a perceived breast mass is just dense breast tissue and not a true mass.

Patients should always consult a doctor when they have a breast concern and not self-diagnose.

Other benign breast pathologies, such as radial scar or hyperplasia, are found during breast screenings and may lead to biopsies.

Transcripts

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Breast HealthFibroadenomaBreast CystsPapillomasNipple DischargeFat NecrosisMedical AdviceHealth AnxietyWomen's HealthHealth Education