Breast Lumps and Pain Topic Guide

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in women. Symptoms and signs of breast cancer include breast lumps, nipple discharge or inversion, or changes in the breast's skin. Treatment typically involves some type of surgery and depends upon the staging of the cancer, the tumor type, and the person's health.

Breast infection, or mastitis, is a bacterial infection of the breast and nipple caused by bacteria in a nursing infant's mouth. Mastitis causes redness, swelling, and pain in the breast. Treatments include oral antibiotics in most cases.

Breast reconstruction is surgery to restore the breast of women after mastectomy (removal of the breast). Breast reconstruction may involve implants or using the woman's own tissue. A surgeon may perform breast augmentation or require breast reduction to achieve symmetry. Complications include infection and shape irregularities.

Monthly breast self-examinations (BSE) have not been shown to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. However, a monthly breast self-exam is important for a woman to become familiar with her breasts and any changes that may occur over time that may signal a breast disease or condition. Symptoms and signs to look for when performing a breast self-exam are nipple discharge; red, swollen, scaly, or itchy nipples or breast tissue; sudden breast pain that does not go away; changes in breast size or shape; dimpling of the breast or nipple; or a lump or lumps in the breast. Notify your health-care professional if you detect any unusual changes in your breasts.

Mammogram is a special X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer early. There are few risks associated with mammography. Mammograms may show suspicious areas of the breast, white spots, and microcalcifications. Risk factors for breast cancer include age, genetic predisposition, family history, medical history, fibrocystic breast disease, therapeutic radiation exposure, menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies, hormone therapy for menopause, oral contraceptive use, breastfeeding, alcohol, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity.