The discovery of a breast lump will most likely bring on the scare of potentially having cancer. BBC Health describes cancerous lumps as tumors that grow from the multiplication of a single cell. Lumps are also interchangeable with the word masses.
Types
Breast lumps can either be malignant or benign. Malignant means that the tumor is cancerous. Benign lumps contain no signs of cancer.
Significance
Stanford Medicine's Cancer Center states malignant cells are capable of metastasizing, or spreading through the bloodstream to form secondary tumors. These cancerous cells can also damage surrounding tissues and organs.
Identification
Benign lumps are present for a variety of reasons, according to the National Cancer Institute. Cysts are fluid-filled lumps commonly found in women taking menopausal hormone therapy; the most common benign lumps are fibroadenomas that are hard and round but usually painless.
Treatment for Benign Lumps
Biopsies can diagnosis and even remove benign breast lumps without the threat of returning.
Treatment for Malignant Lumps
Malignant lumps may not be removable by a surgical biopsy if the cancer has spread. Breast-conserving surgery to save part of the breast and remove the lump is done followed by radiation. Some cases require a full mastectomy to get rid of the cancerous cells.
Tags: Benign lumps, cancerous cells
