Benign breast problems

Benign (not cancer) breast conditions are very common and most breast changes are not cancer.

Women’s breasts go through changes, from the time of their development, through pregnancy and the menopause. This is because of the varying levels of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone in your body.

Most breast changes are likely to be normal or due to a benign (not cancer) breast condition. Some benign breast conditions may cause problems and need treatment, but this is not always the case. However, if you notice any change that’s unusual for you, please contact us for assessment.

The breast symptoms could range from breast pain to lumpiness or a lump or nipple discharge. Please refer to ‘diagnostic page’ for further information (link).

Men can also develop benign breast conditions and the most common benign condition in men is gynaecomastia.

Some of the problems may need surgical intervention whilst some can be managed conservatively. The breast conditions that can be managed surgically include:

• Fibroadenoma
• Papilloma
• Papillomatosis
• Nipple discharge
• Sebaceous cyst (skin cyst)
• Lipoma
• Correction of inverted nipple
• Periductal mastitis (recurrent infection)
• Milk fistula
• Breast Abscess (infection)
• Prominent arm-pit fold (accessory breast tissue)
• Male breast enlargement (Gynaecomastia)

Miss Roy would be happy to discuss the management of these conditions and surgical options (if indicated) relevant to your situation.