Department of Surgery

 

Highland Hospital Surgery

Highland Hospital Surgeons Who Treat Breast Disorders Thad Boss, M.D. Tulsi Dass, M.D. Joseph A. Johnson, M.D. William O'Malley, M.D.

Conditions We Treat

Breast Lumps and Cysts

What are Breast Lumps and Cysts?

A breast lump (or mass) is an area of swelling or firmness in the breast. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. Normal breast tissue responds to hormonal changes, and certain lumps may appear and disappear on their own, but some changes in breast tissue indicate a more serious condition. A lump may be felt during an examination or discovered with a mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women age 40 or older should have a mammogram every year.

Testing of Breast Lumps

A biopsy of a breast lump or cyst can be taken to find out if the lump or cyst is cancerous.

• A lump or mass in the breast or armpit
• Pain, enlargement, or discomfort in only one breast
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• A change in the nipple (pulled in, enlarged or itchy)
• Abnormal nipple discharge (bloody, clear, yellow or greenish)
• Change in the color or texture (dimpled) of the breast or nipple

Treatment Options

Lumpectomy

A surgical procedure to remove a breast lump that is cancerous.

Mastectomy

A surgical procedure that removes the entire breast when breast cancer
has been found that is too extensive for a lumpectomy.