Breast Mass or Pain

​Breast masses can be broadly classified as benign or malignant. Common causes of a benign breast mass include fibrocystic disease, fibroadenoma, and abscess. Malignant breast disease encompasses many different types of breast cancer. The main concern of many women presenting with a breast mass is the likelihood of cancer; however, most breast masses are benign. Any breast mass should be evaluated by a clinical breast exam and possibly with imaging by mammography or breast ultrasound.

Breast pain, or mastalgia, is usually associated with benign causes such as hormone level changes during menstruation or fibrocystic breast changes. Rarely is it associated with breast cancer but this should still always be evaluated by a doctor. Simple lifestyle changes and medications may drastically improve symptoms.