Health, Ball in the breast: when should you worry?

The discovery of an unusual size in the breast always raises many questions. When should you worry? The point with Dr. Nasrine Callet, gynecologist-oncologist and Dr. Anne-Vincent Salomon, anatomopathologist at the Curie Institute.

Summary

1. The majority of sizes are not cancers
2. Examine your breasts regularly

1.The majority of sizes are not cancers

Even if the situation proves to be anxiety-provoking, the appearance of a ball or a size in the breast is not always linked to a serious pathology or cancer. Indeed, in 90% of cases, these abnormalities are benign.

Most of the time, it can be:

• From a cyst or fibroadenoma quite benign;
• Hamartoma (tissue malformation);
• Lipoma (benign tumor consisting of fatty tissue);
• From a maltose nodule ...

However, examinations are necessary to ensure the benign nature of the size. If you notice an abnormality, consult your doctor. He will then very often prescribe a mammogram, an ultrasound or even a biopsy if necessary in order to carry out additional analyzes. Depending on the case, it may also propose surgery to remove the nodule or cyst if it turns out to be inconvenient.

2.Examine your breasts regularly

At any age, apart from annual check-ups with your doctor or gynecologist, it is important to make a habit of observing your breasts and palpating them. "It is advisable to make this observation every 2 or 3 months and at the beginning of the cycle. Indeed, cysts can be present and disappear simply at the arrival of the rules," says Dr. Nasrine Collet.

Observe yourself in front of the ice cream. Take the time to spot any changes in the texture and shape of your breasts. If you feel lumpiness in the breast or armpit, if you see redness or nipple discharge, consult your doctor. "Nipple discharge is not necessarily dangerous, it can be caused by a papilloma that simply has to be removed," says Dr. Anne-Vincent Salomon.

If the size is a hard, immobile ball that grows rapidly over the weeks, talk to your doctor right away. Same if you observe a change in the texture of the skin (if it becomes "cardboard" or takes the appearance of an orange peel, for example). "The longer the person waits, the more difficult the situation may be - get yourself examined for a quick response to the situation," adds Dr. Anne-Vincent Salomon.