Dear Doctor,

I am aged 25. I normally develop painless lumps in my breasts once every six months and they disappear on their own. I have tested negative for cancer on several occasions as well but I am worried. What could be the problem? Kantengwa

Dear Kantengwa,

Have you ever palpated the lumps? Is there a definite swelling present or it is a lump like sensation How many days does it stay? what you are suffering could be fibroadenosis. Here due to hormonal changes, around menses or during menses, a woman develops lump like sensation in the breasts, which subsides by itself. Usually it is painful but can be painless. Mastalgia is a benign condition causing pain. One can have a painful lump due to infection and inflammation of the breast tissue or milk duct. But it mostly occurs in one breast and does not recur after suitable treatment. Treatment consists of antibiotics and anti inflammatory drugs.

A woman can develop heaviness and sense of pain in the breasts if the breast size increases due to weight gain. Due to hormonal influence, fluid retention may occur giving lump like sensation and also pain may occur around menses. Fibroadenomas are benign painless tumors of breast. But they mostly occur in one breast and persist until removed surgically. Breast cancer can cause painless lump. But that would be a hard persistent painless lump in one breast which is associated with other changes like puckering of skin, swelling in armpit or neck on same side, e.t.c.

Diagnosis of the cause of lump can be made by clinical examination scans , mammography and a biopsy of lump. Any underlying cause is treatable.