Breast mass
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| Breast mass | |
|---|---|
| File:Breast cancer.jpg | |
| Synonyms | Breast lump, breast tumor |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Breast pain, nipple discharge, changes in breast size or shape |
| Complications | Breast cancer |
| Onset | Can occur at any age, more common in women over 40 |
| Duration | Varies depending on cause |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Fibroadenoma, cyst, breast cancer, mastitis |
| Risks | Family history, hormonal changes, age |
| Diagnosis | Mammography, ultrasound, biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Fibrocystic breast changes, lipoma, abscess |
| Prevention | Regular breast self-examination, mammography |
| Treatment | Depends on cause; may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies; benign masses have excellent prognosis, malignant masses depend on stage |
| Frequency | Common; most women will experience a breast mass at some point |
| Deaths | N/A |
A breast mass is a localized swelling or lump in the breast tissue. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from benign fibroadenomas to malignant breast cancer. The evaluation of a breast mass is crucial for determining the appropriate management and treatment.
Causes[edit]
Breast masses can be caused by:
Symptoms[edit]
Common symptoms associated with a breast mass include:
- A palpable lump in the breast
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Skin changes over the breast, such as dimpling
- Nipple discharge
Evaluation[edit]
The evaluation of a breast mass typically involves a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and biopsy.
Clinical Examination[edit]
A thorough clinical breast examination is performed to assess the characteristics of the mass, such as its size, location, and consistency.
Imaging[edit]
Mammography and ultrasound are commonly used imaging techniques to evaluate breast masses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used in certain cases.
Needle Biopsy[edit]
A needle biopsy is a procedure used to obtain a sample of tissue from a breast mass for pathological examination. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide a definitive diagnosis.
Types of Needle Biopsy[edit]
Procedure[edit]
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. A needle is inserted into the breast mass, and a sample of tissue is extracted. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Advantages[edit]
Needle biopsy is less invasive than surgical biopsy and has a shorter recovery time. It is also highly accurate in diagnosing breast masses.
Management[edit]
The management of a breast mass depends on the underlying cause. Benign masses may require monitoring or surgical removal, while malignant masses may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
