You found a lump in your breast either during your monthly self-exam or perhaps, just by chance. Now what?
If you’re like most women, your thoughts turn to one very scary word very fast: Cancer.
While it’s important to take action and have your doctor check the lump as soon as possible keep this in mind: Benign breast conditions are very common, according to the American Cancer Society.
Most lumps – eight out of ten – aren’t cancer at all.
Breast lumps vary by size, growth and symptoms.
The only definitive way of finding out exactly what the lump might be is through testing from a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI or biopsy or a combination of these diagnostic tools.
While you are waiting to see your doctor or for test results, here are some common causes of benign breast lumps.
What Are Common Causes of Breast Lumps?
Fibroadenoma: According to WebMD, these are the most common benign lumps. They typically affect women in their 20s and 30s. They are solid, rubbery, round pain-free lumps that move freely.
Fibrocystic Changes: Each month during your menstrual cycle your breasts can change. You can get lumps that increase in size and tenderness and you might even have discharge from your nipples.
Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can occur in both breasts. You can have one or many, and they can vary in size. They can also change with your menstruation.
According to the American Cancer Society, fibrosis or simple cysts of the breast does not increase your risk of getting breast cancer down the road.
Intraductal Papilloma: This is a small wart-like growth near the nipple in the lining of the mammary duct. It can cause bleeding from the nipple. Typically, these occur in women between the ages of 30 and 50.
Traumatic Fat Necrosis: If you have an injury to your breast, it can cause fat to form into lumps. These are round, firm and painless.
What should you do if you find a breast lump?
First and foremost, go to the doctor for a definitive diagnosis. If your lump is benign, your doctor will continue to keep an eye on it after a baseline exam and baseline diagnostic test.
The risk for benign breast lumps increases for women who have never had children, those who have irregular menstrual cycles or those with a family history of breast cancer.
What If That Lump Turns Out To Be Breast Cancer?
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you likely will have a lot of questions.
Talk to your doctor about treatment options that may be right for you. Those treatments may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of these.
The American Cancer Society says treatment depends on the type of cancer and the stage.
If your doctor recommends radiation, ask about treatment with CyberKnife.
CyberKnife treatment for breast cancer is also called Stereotactic Partial-Breast Radiation. It’s a state-of-the-art, safe and effective treatment designed to reduce long-term risks of conventional radiation therapy treatments.
Where is There Breast Cancer Treatment Near Me?
The CyberKnife Center of Miami can help you when it comes to deciding on the right treatment plan. The CyberKnife Center of Miami was one of the first cancer centers in South Florida to offer this treatment.
It is a faster, safer way to treat breast cancer with outstanding tumor control, better cosmetic results and less radiation exposure to the surrounding vital organs – like the heart and the lungs.
When doctors can decrease the amount of radiation to the heart and lungs the risk of developing side effects like heart disease, reduced lung function or secondary cancer is also decreased.
Plus, CyberKnife Miami can complete treatment in a shorter timeframe – reducing treatments from up to 35 treatments over several weeks to five treatments over a few days.
Long-term studies confirm the effectiveness of CyberKnife for breast cancer. The 10-year results from a London-based study confirm that a treatment strategy using CyberKnife with fewer treatments is as effective in the long run as a traditional treatment for early-stage breast cancer.
If you are interested in learning more about CyberKnife Miami or setting up an appointment call us at 305-279-2900 or go to our website now to learn more about this non-invasive breast cancer treatment.