Benign breast tumors
The benign tumors that can affect the breast can be cystic or solid.
Benign tumors: typology
breast cyst
- Tumor of liquid content lined by epithelium.
- They appear more frequently in women aged 35 to 50.
- They are due to the obstruction and dilation of the ducts due to stromal edema caused by hormonal stimuli.
- Although they can be seen by mammography, Ultrasound is the most suitable method for diagnosis.
- Only punctures will be made those that produce pain to the patient because they are large and the liquid content is under tension.
- If it is a complex cyst or has a papillary proliferation inside It is recommended to remove them.
Solid tumors
- They are more varied depending on which element of the breast structure proliferates: fibroadenomas, hamartomas, adenomas, lipomas, hemangiomas, neurofibromas...
- The most common is the fibroadenoma that appears predominantly between the 20 and 30 years of age.
- It is a well-defined nodule of firm consistency between 2-4 cm, which It can be bilateral and multiple in 15% of cases.
- In its etiology are involved hormonal and genetic factors.
- Once again, it is the ultrasound the one that best classifies them.
- To confirm the diagnosis se will puncture (PAAF) or, if possible, it will be BAG (core needle biopsy) of newly developed fibroadenomas. However, it will not be necessary for all of them if they are multiple, small, and have the same radiological characteristics.
- Only will be removed those in which we have diagnostic doubts or at the patient's request (pain, aesthetics or cancerophobia, although they do not have the risk of becoming malignant).
- Differential diagnosis of fibroadenoma and tumor Phyllodes It's difficult. This last one should be excised with adequate margins, since it has a malignant variety. They appear somewhat later, are usually larger (6-8 cm), and grow rapidly.
From the Women's Unit, we recommend that all women undergo an annual gynecological checkup. They should also visit their gynecologist if they notice any breast abnormality, in order to make an early and correct diagnosis.
Related information: Breast Pathology Unit of the Women's Unit.
Article written by the Dr. Cabezuelo
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