Breast Lump Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for a breast lump can be organized into the following categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Fibroadenoma: This is a common benign breast tumor, especially in young women. It is usually a firm, mobile, and painless lump.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cyst: A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can feel like a lump. It is often tender and can change size with the menstrual cycle.
- Lipoma: A lipoma is a benign tumor made of fat tissue. It is usually soft and mobile.
- Fibrocystic changes: These are non-cancerous changes in the breast tissue that can cause lumps, tenderness, and nipple discharge.
- Breast abscess: An abscess is a collection of pus that can cause a lump, pain, and redness in the breast.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Breast cancer: Although less likely, breast cancer is a critical diagnosis that must be considered, especially in older women or those with a family history.
- Phyllodes tumor: A phyllodes tumor is a rare tumor that can be benign, borderline, or malignant. It can grow quickly and cause a large lump.
- Inflammatory breast cancer: This is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that can cause a lump, redness, and swelling in the breast.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Hamartoma: A hamartoma is a rare benign tumor that can cause a lump in the breast.
- Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH): PASH is a rare benign condition that can cause a lump in the breast.
- Metastasis to the breast: Although rare, cancer from other parts of the body can metastasize to the breast and cause a lump.