Not All Breast Disease is Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is what comes to mind when most people think of breast disease. In fact, a number of other types of breast disease exist, including some, such as breast mastitis and fibrocystic breast disease that can produce non-cancerous breast lumps. The appearance of any form of breast lump is a frightening event, as the first thought of most women is that they have found a breast cancer tumor.



Breast mastitis is a breast infection common to breastfeeding women. This form of breast disease can result in a painful breast abscess if the condition remains untreated. Rare when not breastfeeding, mastitis is usually caused by bacterial infections.

One type of breast disease, fibrocystic breast disease, may not actually be a breast disease at all. Instead, the thick tissue and breast lumps associated with fibrocystic breast disease may be a variety of normal breast composition.

Not all breast disease is confined to women. Adolescent boys often develop excessive breast growth due to hormone fluctuations. The condition, which is usually temporary, is called gynecomastia. Men can also develop other breast disease, including breast cancer, although incidence rates are much lower among males.

Fibroadenoma is a common benign tumor found in young women. Like breast lumps caused by other types of breast disease, fibroadenoma can cause women anxiety. Any breast lump should be checked by medical professionals to rule out breast cancer. An understanding of breast disease symptoms and breast cancer screening methods helps women detect the early signs of breast disease.

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