Common Benign Conditions

Breast pain. The first order of business is to screen for cancer, usually with a doctor’s exam and mammogram. Repetitive screening over time is often necessary. That done, it is reassuring to know that most breast pain has nothing to do with cancer. Breast pain is a common, but poorly understood, symptom that is due to a combination of heredity, hormones, and environmental influences. Any woman can be affected, although obese women tend to suffer more. The fundamentals of treating breast pain (in the absence of cancer) include low-fat diet, regular exercise, weight loss, and limits on alcohol intake. Herbal and medical treatments can help with more difficult cases, but there is no substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

Breast cysts. Along with breast pain, breast cysts are so common as to be considered a variation of normal, rather than a disease. Breast specialists refer to such things as Aberrations of Normal Development and Involution, or "ANDI". As always, the first step is to screen for cancer. Most cysts are not associated with cancer. Breast cysts can occur at any age but are especially common in the decade preceding menopause, among women aged 35-50. Breast cysts are estrogen-driven to a significant degree, and are uncommon after menopause in the absence of hormone administration.

Fibroadenoma. Fibroadenomas are common breast tumors, usually benign. They occur usually in young women, even in teenagers, although they can occur at any age. Fibroadenoma must be distinguished from phyllodes tumor, an uncommon, more aggressive lesion. Phyllodes tumors should be considered if a suspected fibroadenoma is unusually large or fast-growing.

Nipple discharge or bleeding. Small amounts of milky discharge are common among older women, and usually not a cause for alarm. Nipple discharge that is large volume, persistent, or bloody, should be investigated.

Macromastia (breasts that are too large). Large, heavy breasts are common in American society, often coexisting with obesity. A variety of ailments can result, including chronic neck & back pain and chronic skin infections. Breast reduction surgery provides relief in many instances. Patients are referred to a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon for breast reduction. (Plastic Surgery consultation is available on-site at Boise Breast Consultants, as well as by off-site referral, depending on insurance plan.)

Micromastia (breasts that are too small), amastia (breasts that are absent, either congenitally or after cancer surgery), and breast symmetry problems. Patients are referred to a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon for these conditions. (Plastic Surgery consultation is available on-site at Boise Breast Consultants, as well as by off-site referral, depending on insurance plan.)

Gynecomastia (breast growth in men). Breast growth can occur in men at different stages of life. Adolescent breast enlargement can cause social embarrassment but is usually harmless and transient, requiring surgery only in extreme cases. Breast enlargement can occur in adult men for a variety of reasons and usually warrants evaluation. As always, the first order of business is to screen for breast cancer. Breast cancer occurs rarely in men, but is just as dangerous as in women when it occurs. Sometimes, it signals an underlying genetic disorder.