MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Causes of breast lumps

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Causes of breast lumps

Most breast lumps are benign, as in fibroadenoma, a condition that affects mostly women under age 30. Fibrocystic breast disease is present in over 60% of all women. The cysts in FBD change in size with the menstrual cycle, whereas a lump from fibroadenoma does not. While most breast lumps are benign it is important to identify those that are not. If a lump is new, persistent, growing, hard, immobile, or causing skin deformities, you should see a health care professional.

Update Date: 7/17/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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