Benign Breast Disease

Our Approach To Benign Breast Disease Care

If you’ve had an abnormal mammogram or discovered a lump or other change in your breast, your first thought may be of cancer. While most breast changes are not cancerous, some can increase your risk of breast cancer. Because of this, it’s important to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.

At Texas Breast Specialists, our breast care services include comprehensive care for noncancerous (benign) breast conditions. You can rely on our breast specialists to provide an accurate diagnosis and work with you to plan your next steps.

FAQs

Are breast lumps normal?

Breast tissue often has a natural, lumpy texture. Knowing what your breasts normally feel like can make it easier to identify changes when they happen.

How common are benign breast diseases?

Benign breast diseases are very common. Breast pain and fibrocystic changes affect about half of women, and one-quarter of women have fibroadenomas.

Can a benign breast tumor become malignant?

The risk of a benign breast tumor turning into breast cancer depends on the condition. Some tumors may increase the risk slightly, while others may increase your risk by up to 50%. Your doctor will explain your diagnosis and what it means for you.

What insurances does Texas Oncology accept?

We accept most insurance plans and work with other insurance companies to establish coverage for patients whenever possible.

Diagnosing Benign Breast Diseases

Not knowing if a breast condition is cancerous can be worrisome. Our experts will guide and support you through the diagnostic process.

Diagnosis typically begins with a review of your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will perform a physical examination, including a clinical breast exam to check for lumps or other irregularities.

Your doctor may also order one or more tests, such as:

Imaging tests

Mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs provide a detailed view of breast tissue. In some cases, an imaging test may be all that is needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

Breast biopsy

If there is a chance that a change in your breast is cancerous, your doctor will recommend a breast biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to conclusively rule out cancer. This test involves removing a sample of tissue and sending it to a laboratory. A pathologist uses a microscope to look at the cells.

Treating Benign Breast Diseases

Our breast surgeons see patients with any type of breast complaint. They are your partner in care from diagnosis and treatment to longer-term management.

Some benign breast diseases go away on their own. Others cause no symptoms or increased risk for breast cancer. In these cases, you may not require any treatment.

When symptoms are bothersome or there is a chance of breast cancer, our specialists follow the latest guidelines for care. Treatments they may recommend include:

Cyst aspiration

In this procedure, your doctor inserts a fine needle into the cyst to drain fluid. Aspiration often relieves symptoms, but the cyst may come back.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is a treatment for benign breast tumors that use estrogen to grow. Some hormone therapy drugs lower estrogen levels to block cell growth. Others stop cell growth by preventing estrogen from attaching to estrogen receptors.

Medications

Antibiotics are the main treatment for infections, such as mastitis. Over-the-counter pain medications can relieve breast pain due to fibrocystic changes.

Surgery

For symptomatic or potentially cancerous cysts and tumors, we typically recommend surgical removal. Your options may include a lumpectomy to remove the abnormal area and, if necessary, a margin of cells around it. If a tumor or cyst is large or your risk of cancer is high, your surgeon may suggest a mastectomy to remove the entire breast.

Improving breast appearance after surgery

We understand how important maintaining breast appearance is for many women. Our breast surgeons take time to discuss your options for improving the cosmetic results of the different types of breast surgery:

Lumpectomy

We use oncoplastic surgical techniques at the same time as a lumpectomy to reduce indentations. Many surgeons also offer lift and reduction on both sides to provide symmetry.

Mastectomy

We partner with plastic surgeons to offer breast reconstruction on one or both breasts. Before surgery, you’ll meet with a Texas Oncology surgeon and a breast reconstruction surgeon to discuss your options.

Deciding between lumpectomy and mastectomy for benign breast tumors

Depending on your condition, you may be able to choose a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. Your surgeon will thoroughly review the benefits and risks of each. For breast cysts and tumors that aren’t cancerous, the main considerations include:

Breast preservation

A lumpectomy allows you to keep most of your breast. With a mastectomy, you may opt for breast reconstruction or going flat.

Recovery time

Recovery time is usually longer with a mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

Risk of recurrence

The risk of a recurrent tumor may be slightly higher with lumpectomy, compared with a mastectomy.

Why Choose Texas Oncology

Our team of specialists are dedicated to your health and well-being. When you come to us for care, you will find: