Is a cancerous lump painful? What does a cancerous lump in the breast feel like? Are all breast cancer lumps hard? Do breast cancer lumps move? Get more insights about painful lump in breast, cancer, cyst and how to get rid of these lumps.
What Causes Painful Lump in Breast
The possible causes of painful lump in the breast include:
- Breast cancer
Breast cancer occurs when there are mutations in the growth of the cells in the region. Mutation stimulates the overgrowth and multiplication of the cells in the body. The cells multiply abnormally and result in the development of tumors in the breast.
Generally, this is a type of cancer that does occur in breast. It usually affects the path way of the milk duct and lobules of the breast. These are vital glands that produce milk and transport milk to the nipple. The breast cancer can also affect the fatty and fibrous breast tissue.
These cancer cells invade the healthy breast tissues and can travel to other body parts via lymph node. These lymph nodes are considered primary pathway of the movement of cancer cells. According to the American Cancer Society, there is a report that shows that more than 39,000 women were expected to die from the disease.
Types of Breast Cancer
They include
- Ductal carcinoma in situ
These cells rarely cause cancer around the breast region but they do change and look like breast cancer.
- Lobular carcinoma in situ
This is a type of breast cancer that is usually found in milk producing glands. The cancer cells do not invade the surrounding region of the breast.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma
This is the common type of the breast cancer that usually affects the entire breast. It begins as a simple problem in the milk duct and eventually spread to the nearby tissues. The spreading will keep on going until it also affects some vital organs in the body if not treated.
- Inflammatory breast cancer
This is a rare form of cancer that do occur in women and it result in swelling of the breast instead of the growth of tumor. The breast will appear red and inflamed.
Other less common types of breast cancer include:
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- Paget disease of the nipple
- Phyllodes tumor
- Angiosarcoma
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
They include:
- Development of lumps in the breast
- Red and pitted skin on the breast
- Swelling around the breast
- Nipple discharge
- Bloody discharge
- Peeling and flaking of the skin around the nipple
- Change in size and appearance of breast
- Inverted nipple
- Swelling under armpit
Note: it is recommended to visit a doctor for breast examination, Biopsy, ultrasound and Mammogram. This will help to determine the main cause of the breast cancer and also help in determining the ways of treatment.
- Fibrocystic Breast Disease
This condition is said to be noncancerous and it usually result in the appearance of a painful lump in the breast. According to experts, the research shows that over 50 percent of women in the world always experience the condition during their lifetime. The disease according to Mayoclinic.com is said not to be harmful.
The diseases do not have any form of signs and symptoms that are associated to it. The common cause of the disease is due to hormonal changes in the body. The changes of the hormones result in swelling and tender or painful breast lumps.
The disease can also be caused by swelling of the breast lobules and development of cysts in the breast. The conditions do happen during ovulation but they are more rampant during menopause or age between 30-50 years.
The most common signs and symptoms of the condition include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
- A thickening of tissue
- Lumps in one or both breasts
The research shows that dietary changes such as limiting caffeine intake, eating a low-fat diet, or taking essential fatty acid supplements will reduce the symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease. However, if the symptoms become severe it is recommended to consult a doctor for treatment.
- Intraductal Papilloma
This is a noncancerous condition that does appear in the milk duct. The condition manifests itself as a large or several lumps near the nipple. Most of these tumors do not indicate the presence of breast cancer. Benign breast conditions can also cause lumps.
- Fibroadenoma of Breast
This is a breast condition that result in the appearance of tumors or growth in the breast. According to the American Society of Breast Surgeons Foundation, a 10 percent of women under the age of 30 years are diagnosed with the condition. Most African American women are quite susceptible to this condition.
The exact cause of the condition is still unknown but is usually associated to hormone estrogen that causes the growth and development of the tumors. Taking oral contraceptives before the age of 20 has been associated with a higher risk of developing fibroadenomas as well.
- Mastitis
This is an infection of the breast that result in swelling and reddening of the breast. It is usually occur as a result of the infection of the breast ducts. It mainly occurs among women who are breastfeeding.
It can sometimes occur with or without the presence of bacteria. As the infection progresses in the breast, it may result in a breast abscess. This is a localized collection of pus within breast tissue. Severe cases of mastitis can be fatal if left untreated.
The common causes of mastitis include:
- Bacterial infection
All human skin has bacteria of which are harmless. In case these bacteria are triggered, they may enter into the skin around the nipple causing an infection. The infection would be behind mastitis.
- Obstruction of a milk duct
Milk ducts are used to transport milk from the breast glands to the nipple. When these ducts are blocked, milk builds up within the breast and causes inflammation and may result in infection.
- Lipoma (Skin Lumps)
This is a harmless deposit of fats under the skin of the breast. The lump is usually soft and there is no pain that is felt. Any person can develop lipoma regardless of age but it is said to be rarely found in children.
Lipoma has unique symptoms as compared to other tumors in the breast. Some of the common features include:
- Be soft to the touch
- Move easily if prodded with your finger
- Be just under the skin
- Be pale
- Be colorless
- Grow slowly
The common areas where lipoma can develop apart from the breast are neck, back, and shoulders, but they can also occur on the stomach, thighs, and arms. Lipoma becomes painful in case it develops underneath the nerves of the skin.
- Fat necrosis
Injury or trauma to the fatty tissue around the breast can result in the development of a lump. These lumps usually heal and go away of their own accord. However, if they persist then they can be removed.
What do Breast Cancer Lumps feel like?
The feeling of breast cancer varies since the symptoms and signs are not similar. It is recommended to consult a professional doctor for treatment.
Most lumps in the breast due to cancer are characterized by:
- Is a hard mass
- Is painless
- Has irregular edge
- Is immobile
- Appears in the upper outer portion of your breast
- Grows over time
Not all these symptoms portray the features of cancerous lumps. There are some lumps that are rounded, soft, and tender and can occur anywhere in the breast. There are some lumps that are painful.
Women with dense breast tissues find it difficult to detect breast cancer in the breast. Biopsy helps to detect the presence of tumors in the breast.
Possible symptoms of breast cancer lumps include:
- Swelling on the breast
- Nipple discharge apart from milk
- Skin irritation or scaling
- Redness of the breast around the nipple
- Swelling under the armpit
- Thickening of the tissues in the breast
Painful Lump under Breast Bra Line
It usually results in due to the following:
- Breast pain
This is a condition that results in due to breast cancer. The region aches, pains or tenderness. The infection may result in the development pus which may require diagnosis of a doctor. This type of infection could be due to a benign fluid-filled sac (a cyst).
- Hereditary
Gene mutation is usually associated with breast cancer. Breast cancer is likely to run throughout the family line and it can make the bra line area to be painful.
- Tight, underwire bras cause breast cancer
Wearing tight-fitting bras on a daily basis may inhibited lymphatic drainage and thus causing toxins to become trapped in breast tissue. The accumulation on these substances in the breast may trigger the breast cancer.
Some of the common causes include; genetics, hormones, age, weight, exercise levels, giving birth over the age of 30 or not having had children.
- Wearing antiperspirant causes breast cancer
There are some preservatives in some antiperspirants that are known to have small amount of estrogen-like properties. These chemical substances may trigger development of tumors in the breast making it to become painful.
Sudden Painful Lump in Breast
Having a sudden sharp pain in the breast could imply something serious in the body. This type of pain usually affect both male and female. Breast cancer does not have any form of sign and symptoms during the early stages of life.
There are several causes of breast pain or tender that could indicate the presence of breast cancer. These factors may include:
- The fluctuation of hormones caused by menstruation
- Some birth control pills
- Some infertility treatments
- A bra that doesn’t fit
- Breast cysts
- Large breasts, which may be accompanied by neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Stress
The appearance of lumps in the breast is usually associated with breast cancer. According to mayoclinic.com, most benign breast lumps are caused by:
- Breast infection
- Fibrocystic breast disease (“lumpy breasts”)
- fibroadenoma (noncancerous tumor)
- Fat necrosis (damaged tissue)
Breast Lumps Pictures
Most of the images in the article show how lumps in the breast can cause several changes in and around the breast. These changes help the doctor to examine and determine on ways of treating them.
Some of the common changes on the breast include:
- Breast lumps or thickening
It is recommended to get into a routine of examining the breast every day before going to bed. This will help one to be able to determine the presence of cancer cells in the breast. During menopause set a date to visit a specialist in order to examine the breast.
- Nipple discharge
Milky discharge from the nipples should be taken with a lot of precautions. It is always taken with a lot care especially if you are not breastfeeding. Abnormal discharge from the nipple could be a sign of breast cancer. The discharge may be clear or bloody. Therefore visit a doctor.
- Changes in the size and shape of the breast
It is uncommon for women to experience breast swelling. This is usually common during ovulation where some women may experience changes in the size and shape of the breast. Swelling can cause breast pain and tenderness. This makes it uncomfortable to wear bras.
- Inverted nipple
Nipple changes are considered to be normal and in case you notice newly inverted nipple consider visiting a doctor.
- Peeling, scaling, or flaking skin
This could be a symptom of atopic dermatitis, eczema, or another skin condition. Consult a specialist to do a test in order to rule out the presence of cancer in the breast.
- Skin rash on the breasts
This could be a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). In case the redness around the breast it could be breast cancer. It may make the breast to be swollen, warm, and appear red. The rash may resemble clusters of insect bites, and it’s not unusual to have itchiness.
How to Get Rid of Painful Lump in Breast
Female with breast lumps usually have dense and irregular breast tissues accompanied with bumps. Women can only notice this type of lumps during self-examination and it could indicate a sign of fibrocystic breast disease.
The main cause of lumps in the breast is pregnancy and stress. Sometime it could be due to fatty diet and hormonal changes. There are certain reproductive hormones such as estrogen that causes bumps in the breast.
Best home remedies for breast lumps include:
- Avoid These Drinks
Intake of plenty of coffee and tea increases the chance of getting breast lumps. It is therefore advisable to avoid intake of caffeinated drinks but take more of soft drinks.
Also intake of alcohol drinks such as wine and beer causes lumps in the breast. According to research, all these types of drinks produce stress hormones in the body which in turn causes development of breast lumps.
- Cold Compress
Application of a cold compress on the breast lump helps to reduce inflammation and tenderness. Place some crushed ice in a towel and apply it on the breast for some minutes.
Remove the pack after ten minutes and alternate it with hot compress. You can start with hot compress followed by cold compress. This process helps to reduce breast pain due to formation of lumps.
- Hot Compress
It helps to reduce the swelling caused by lumps in the breast. Dip a clean cotton cloth in hot water and squeeze out the excess. Place the hot cloth on the breast until the it becomes cold and dip it again in hot water. Reuse the cloth on a daily basis until the swelling begin to decrease.
- Fatty Fish
Eating a diet full of fatty fish helps help to get rid of formation of lumps. Fatty fish contain omega 3 fat and vitamins that plays a vital role in the body. The common types of fishes are salmon and mackerel.
Fish also contain iodine which ensures there is adequate supply of iodine in the body. Iodine deficiency is the common cause of lumps development in the breast.
- Avoid Meat
Avoid eating plenty of meat and chicken since they do contain hormones. Having extra hormones in the body can even worsen the breast lumps. It is recommended to buy meat and other poultry products that contain les or no hormones.
- Vitamin E
This is the best home remedy for breast lumps and it also helps to reduce breast pain and swelling. The common samples of foods that contain vitamin E include; peanuts, soybeans, sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, fortified cereals, dried apricots, pine nuts, green leafy vegetables, oatmeal, basil, oregano and cooked taro root.
- Natural Diuretics
In case you have extra fluids in the breast area, intake of plenty of natural diuretics helps to get rid of them. It also helps to reduce swelling and tenderness of the breast. Use of artificial diuretics can reduce amount of potassium in the body.
In the process, it can cause imbalance in the amount electrolyte in the body thereby affecting production of glucose adversely. It is therefore recommended to use natural diuretics such as cucumber and cabbages.
- Vitamin A
Intake of plenty of vitamin A helps to subsidized breast pain due to lumps. Again, it is also not recommended to take plenty of vitamin A since it can cause toxicity the body. Therefore, it is advisable to take foods that contain beta-carotene such as orange and red colored foods.
Intake of red colored foods such as sweet potato, carrots, butternut squash, peppers, kale, Chinese cabbage and pumpkin. These foods are highly recommended.
- Whole Grain Foods
Women with breast lumps are required to take plenty of whole grain foods that have high amount of fiber. These fibers play a vital role in the body since it helps to prevent changes in the level of hormones that might result in breast lumps.
- Vitamin B6
If you have breast lumps, it is advisable to take plenty of vitamin B6. The vitamins help in controlling hormonal fluctuations in the body and in the process, helping in the processing of estrogen by the liver. The liver detoxifies the estrogen with the help of Vitamin B6. It controls the fluid in the body.
The most recommended foods that are said to be rich in vitamin B6 are meat fish, bell peppers, baked potato, broccoli, peanuts, cashew nuts, spinach, turnip greens, sunflower seeds, yams, asparagus, hazelnuts, wheat germ, soybeans, chickpeas, green peas, bran and lentils.
- Ginger Oil
Female with breast lumps are required to massage them using ginger oil. Use of a warm cloth compress after massaging is also recommended. This remedy is the best is suppressing the lumps in the breast.
- Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables contain high amount of iodine that help to reduce breast lump formation. The research shows that iodine deficiency in the body causes formation of breast lumps. Their intake helps to prevent formation of lumps.
Some of the sea vegetables include; dulse, kelp and nori. These vegetables are readily available in the market. Some of these sea vegetables can be found in powder. The powder can be added into the foods after cooking instead of salt.
- Green Tea
Drinking of green tea on regular basis helps to prevent formation of lumps and new cells that causes growth of lumps. Green tea contains some ingredients that inhibit growth of abnormal cells in the body. It also helps in the detoxification of excess estrogen.
- Primrose Oil
Massaging of the breast lumps with primrose oil helps a lot. It also contains fatty acids that help to control hormonal fluctuations that cause lumps in the breast.
- Wild Yam
Eating plenty of wild yams helps to control balances the estrogen hormone. It also controls the hormone progesterone. The control of these hormones helps to reduce the chances of development of lumps in the breast.
FURTHER REFERENCES
- Breast lumps: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/breast-lumps/basics/causes/sym-20050619
- Breast Lumps: https://patient.info/health/breast-lumps
- What Causes Breast Lump? https://www.healthline.com/symptom/breast-lump
- What Does a Breast Cancer Lump Feel Like? Learn the Symptoms: https://www.healthline.com/health/what-does-breast-cancer-feel-like#1
- Breast Cancer: 10 Common Misconceptions: http://www.healthywomen.org/content/blog-entry/breast-cancer-10-common-misconcepti