| Fibroadenoma |
Common in women < 30 years |
| Often described as ‘breast mice’ as they are discrete, non-tender, highly mobile lumps |
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| Fibrocystic disease |
Most common in middle aged women |
| ’Lumpy’ breasts which may be painful |
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| Symptoms may worsen prior to menstruation |
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| Breast cancer |
Characteristically a hard, irregular lump |
| There may be associated nipple inversion or skin tethering |
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| Mammary duct ectasia |
Most common around the menopause - occurs due to a dilation of the milk duct as a result of ageing |
| May present with a tender lump around the areola +/- a green nipple discharge |
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| If ruptures may cause local inflammation, sometimes referred to as 'plasma cell mastitis' |
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| Duct papilloma |
Local areas of epithelial proliferation in large mammary ducts |
| Hyperplastic lesions rather than malignant or premalignant |
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| May present with blood stained discharge |
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| Fat necrosis |
More common in obese women with large breasts |
| May follow trivial or unnoticed trauma |
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| Initial inflammatory response, the lesion is typical firm and round but may develop into a hard, irregular breast lump |
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| Rare and may mimic breast cancer so further investigation is always warranted |
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| Breast abscess |
More common in lactating women |
| Red, hot tender swelling |
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