What is the cause of a palpable mass in the left breast at the 2 o'clock position?

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Differential Diagnosis for Left Breast Lump at 2 o'clock Position

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Fibroadenoma: This is a common benign breast tumor, especially in younger women. The lump is often described as firm, mobile, and painless, which aligns with the presentation of a lump at a specific location like 2 o'clock.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Cyst: Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the breast and are very common. They can present as a lump and may be tender, especially if they become large or rupture.
  • Fibrocystic Changes: These are benign conditions where there are lumps, thickening, or tenderness in the breast due to hormonal changes. They are very common and can cause lumps that may be felt at specific locations.
  • Lipoma: A benign tumor made up of fat tissue. It's usually soft, mobile, and painless, which could fit the description of a lump felt at a specific location.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Breast Cancer: Although less likely than benign conditions, breast cancer is a critical diagnosis not to miss. It can present as a lump, and early detection is crucial for treatment and prognosis. Risk factors, family history, and age should be considered.
  • Phyllodes Tumor: These are rare tumors that can be benign, borderline, or malignant. They tend to grow quickly and can become large, making them a significant concern if a rapidly growing lump is identified.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Hamartoma: A benign growth that can contain glandular, fibrous, and fatty tissues. It's rare and usually presents as a lump, but it's much less common than other benign conditions.
  • Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia (PASH): A rare benign condition that can mimic breast cancer on imaging. It's more common in younger women and can present as a lump or thickening.
  • Adenoma: A rare benign tumor of the breast glandular tissue. It's less common than fibroadenoma and can present similarly as a firm, mobile lump.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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