A lump in the breast or breast nodule can be diagnosed with different results. There are several types of diseases with these characteristics.
In times of awareness, it is always good to do a self-examination and identify if there is a lump in the breast. A breast lump is a small warning sign that all women should pay attention to and seek medical attention immediately. Everything can be simpler if everyone does the initial self-diagnosis and looks for the next steps.
Initially, finding a lump in the breast does not mean that it could be solely a case of cancer. There are other possible findings for this type of incidence. That is why it is so necessary to seek help from a specialist and carry out the correct tests for a more accurate result.
Normally, right after turning 40 years old, it’s best to pay attention. Take preventive exams and monitor your health closely, as an early diagnosis could end up saving your life. Or, in milder cases, it allows the disease to be treated in advance and, above all, reduces the chances of it developing into something more serious.
What could a lump in the breast be?
There are firstly several possible diagnoses for a lump in the breast. Experts divide the possibilities into two groups: benign and malignant. The first are curable cases, despite being painful. In other words, with simple treatments it is possible to end the problem and continue life normally.
In malignant cases, such as breast cancer, treatment is more intense and requires strict medical monitoring. Posting the key to avoiding either disorder is to practice prevention through self-examination.
Take a moment out of your day and enter into deep self-love. This moment of intimacy with yourself will make you feel cared for and loved. Furthermore, it is through self-examination that we can easily find out if there is any sign of a breast lump. Don’t worry at first, because the lump in the breast has several explanations.
Hormonal issues, inflammation, fibrodenoma, among other diseases, are the most common when the unpleasant nodule finally appears. But nothing that good treatment can’t solve. Now, let’s understand how to find out whether or not there is a lump in the breast.
How to identify a lump in the breast?
In general, we only need 15 minutes or less of your day to do a self-examination. The lump in the breast is easily felt when felt, so pay close attention to the steps below. This time with yourself is a decisive factor for the health of your breasts and your body.
1 – Examine the entire breast
Overall, the first step is simple. Take advantage of that bath after the day’s work and start your self-analysis in the shower. Touch yourself, on both sides, and notice whether or not there is the presence of something strange that is not usually there. The lump in the breast is easy to feel, so, at any sign, memorize it and do the following topics.
2 – Change arm positions
When leaving the shower, position yourself in front of the mirror with your arms parallel to your body. Take a good look at the size and shape of your breasts. See if they are normal and if nothing unusual appears. Once this is done, raise both your arms and also check that there is nothing abnormal. This movement stimulates the movement of the muscles in the region and allows you to better visualize the panorama.
3 – Circular movements
Then first place one of your arms behind your head. With the hand opposite your nipple, make small circular movements on your breasts. Pay attention to any sign of a lump in the breast. There is no need for force, because the self-examination is gentle, there should be no pain, just a more sensitive touch.
4 – Lying position
Immediately after finishing both sides standing and in front of the mirror, assume a lying position. There’s no secret! Do the same thing you’ve done so far, but also take the opportunity to check the armpit area. The same circular movements will be repeated on both breasts to find out whether or not there are breast lumps.
As we said, each position stimulates a different part of your body, especially in the breast area. This way it is possible to feel a foreign body more easily. So don’t be ashamed of yourself, the act of touching yourself and getting to know yourself better is fundamental to your health.
5 – Squeeze the nipple
Last but not least, press lightly on the nipple and pay attention to see if any type of secretion comes out. Not just lumps in the breast that indicate some type of health problem. Unexpected liquid is also a warning to see your doctor and take a closer look at what is going on.
Types of breast lumps
Now that you know how to do a self-examination, let’s understand what the diagnostic possibilities are in your breasts. As stated, there are several types of breast lumps that can mean numerous things and require specific treatments.
Lump in the breast – Breast infection
In addition to breast cancer, another disease that affects this region is breast infection. Normally these cases are caused by bacteria and can also generate foreign bodies similar to lumps in the breast. Furthermore, the symptom may be accompanied by itching and redness. In more serious cases, pus may even appear and become quite uncomfortable for the woman.
Lump in the breast – Breast cancer
The breast lump most feared by women is certainly breast cancer. Swelling throughout the breast is recurrent, in this case the breast lump, in particular, has a more hardened texture. Pain is part of this diagnostic process, but this does not prevent the absence of symptoms. Therefore, never stop doing a self-examination and if you are over 40 years old, remember to see your doctor regularly.
Lump in the breast – Diabetic mastopathy
This nodule is a little more complicated than usual, because it can affect both breasts. Another particularity regarding the disease is that there are more cases diagnosed in people with type 1 diabetes. Initially, the pain is not an initial symptom, but may appear as the case worsens.
In general, there is a lot of confusion regarding the result, confusing it with cancer. The lump in the breast looks very similar to the malignant type, but it can be treated. Therefore, it is best to follow up and clear up any doubts before jumping to conclusions.
Lump in the breast – Fibroadenoma
This is a type of breast lump that also qualifies as cancer, but is not malignant. Initially, it is very common to find these cases in younger girls. There are 3 possible textures for the seed: hard, soft or rubbery. The size is very similar to a small marble, but it can cause a lot of discomfort.
Lump in the breast – Fibrocystic changes
Our breast has a very thin membrane inside. Fribrocystic changes directly influence these tissues, causing them to become more rigid. The bad thing about having this type of disease is that as you get older, it makes diagnosing cancer difficult. In other words, the risks are greater in making a preventive diagnosis.
Lump in the breast – Lipoma
Many people know this lump in the breast as a benign tumor. The cause of the appearance of this breast lump is due to the accumulation of adipose tissue that ends up overloading the fibers. These fibers lie beneath the skin. Unlike other types of nodules, lipomas are harmless and can rarely develop into cancer.
Breast lump – Simple cysts
Unlike common nodules, breast cysts are small dilations of the breast ducts. What happens is the accumulation of liquid which can also result in a solid content. This generates another type of characteristic for cases of cysts. Therefore, only a professional examination is required to find out the real type.
Finally, learn more about diseases Women’s Health – Body, food, mind and self-esteem
Sources: Tua Saúde, Comigo., Dicas de Mulher, Brazilian Society of Mastology, OncoGuia, Tua Saúde 2, Tua Saúde 3, Ada, Drauzio, Minha Vida
Image sources: Brazilian Society of Mastology, Kemp, Conexão Amazônia, Toda Teen, M de Mulher, Vix, M de Mulher 2, Febras GO, Viva Bem, Mulher Consciente, Fabiosa, Global Med, Drauzio, Unimede Ribeirão Preto, dr.consulta,
