What do nodules in the breast mean

Breast tissue composition can vary, depending on the function. For example, when a woman is breastfeeding, her breasts will change. They will feel and look different. The breast also contains fibrous connective tissue, fatty tissue, nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.

Each part of the breast can react in different ways to changes in body chemistry. These changes impact the sensations and texture of the breast, and they can affect the development of breast lumps. Some breast lumps feel as though they have a distinct border, while others may feel like a general area of thickened tissue. The size, feel, and texture of breast lumps can vary differ considerably. The consistency may help a physician to diagnose what kind of a lump it is.

A breast cyst is a benign, or noncancerous, fluid-filled sac in the breast. It usually feels smooth and rubbery under the skin. Some breast cysts may be painless, while others are quite painful. Breast cysts are rare in women aged over 50 years. It is not clear what causes breast cysts, but they may develop in response to hormones related to menstruation.

Cysts can range in size from very small, only visible on an ultrasound scan, to between 2. Large cysts can put pressure on other tissue, and this can be uncomfortable. A sebaceous cyst may occur if the ducts of sebaceous or oil glands become blocked. A closed sac or cyst may develop below the skin. These may grow bigger as a result of injury or hormone stimulation. Sebaceous cysts do not usually need treatment, but they can be removed if they are painful or bothersome. Abscesses sometimes develop in the breast.

Show references Sabel MS. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of a palpable breast mass. Accessed Sept. Breast lumps. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. Breast biopsy. American Cancer Society. Joe BN, et al. If you find a lump.

Susan G. Pruthi S expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. See also Breast cancer prevention Breast implants: Saline vs. Dense breast tissue Does soy really affect breast cancer risk?

Lower your risk of breast cancer Natural breast enhancement Sagging breasts after breast-feeding Silicone breast implants: What happens if they rupture? Female breast anatomy Show more related content. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Fat necrosis often occurs in women with very large breasts or who have had a bruise or blow to the breast.

This condition may also be the result of a lumpectomy and radiation from a prior cancerous lump. In some cases, healthcare providers will watch the lump through several menstrual cycles.

He or she may want to do a mammogram before deciding whether to remove it. These lumps are not cancerous and they do not increase your risk of cancer. Sclerosing adenosis is excess growth of tissues in the breast's lobules. This often causes breast pain. While these changes in the breast tissue are very small, they may show up on mammograms as calcifications and can make lumps. Usually a biopsy is needed to rule out cancer.

In addition, because the condition can be mistaken for cancer, the lumps are usually removed through surgical biopsy. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What are some common types of benign breast lumps? What is an abscess? What is a cyst? Changes in the breasts can be a sign of breast cancer.

This is easier to treat if it's found early. If they're not sure what's causing the lump, they'll refer you to a hospital or breast clinic for further tests.

These tests are often done during the same visit.