Breast lumps Flashcards
A 33-year-old woman presents to the general practice after she notices a painless lump in her breast. She explains that this lump has developed over the past few weeks after stopping breastfeeding. She is quite anxious, as she is worried it could be cancerous.
On examination it is a smooth, firm lump which is mobile and located at 3 o’ clock on the left breast.
Given the clinical history and examination findings, what is the likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Breast cyst
B. Fat necrosis
C. Breast cancer
D. Galactocele
E. Fibro-adenoma
D. Galactocele
Galactocele occurs when there is occlusion of the lactiferous duct. It occurs in women who have recently stopped breastfeeding. The build-up of milk creates a cystic lesion in the breast. They are usually benign, painless, smooth and mobile lumps. They resolve without treatment, but they can be drained.
Not E: Fibro-adenoma
A fibro-adenoma commonly presents in young females. It is a benign, smooth, mobile lump. It can decrease in size over time and has no increased risk of breast cancer. It can be treated by excision of the lump.
Not A: Breast cyst
Breast cysts are the most common cause of breast lumps in ages 30–50 years and fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. They are smooth, well circumscribed and mobile.
Not B: Fat necrosis
Fat necrosis normally occurs due to local trauma. It creates a painless firm irregular lump which is fixed.
Not C: Breast cancer
Features of breast cancer include lumps which are irregular, fixed and hard. Changes to the breast are also seen including nipple retraction and skin dimpling. Triple assessment is required to investigate this.
