Benign changes in the breast

Most changes in the breast are benign. About nine out of ten lumps you can feel turn out to be harmless. In younger women especially, the tissue is often lumpy, which is called fibrocystic change.

Common benign findings are cysts, which are cavities filled with fluid, and fibroadenomas, benign lumps made of glandular and connective tissue. Both often feel smooth and movable, and some change with your cycle. Pain and a feeling of tightness before your period usually come from hormonal causes too, not from anything malignant.

Still, you cannot reliably tell benign from malignant by feel alone. So the rule is: have any new or persistent change checked by your gynecologist. With ultrasound, a mammogram, and a biopsy if needed, a specialist can give you clarity. The biopsy