women s health issues
Breast Lumps
Treatment of Breast Lumps
Treatment of fibrocystic changes depends on what the cause is and whether symptoms are present. For fibrocystic changes, wearing a soft, supportive bra, such as an athletic bra, and taking pain relievers, such asacetaminophenor a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), may help relieve symptoms. Sometimes cysts are drained. Fibroadenomas are usually removed if they are enlarging or causing pain or if the woman wants them to be removed. If the fibroadenomas are small, they may be destroyed using cold (cryoablation). Usually for this procedure, only a local anesthetic is required. However, after one fibroadenoma is removed, other fibroadenomas may appear in other parts of the breast. If several lumps have been removed and found to be noncancerous, a woman and her doctor may decide against removing new lumps that develop. Regardless of whether the fibroadenomas are removed or not, the woman should have regular check-ups so that her doctor can check for changes. If a lump is a galactocele (a clogged milk gland), it is drained (aspirated). It typically resolves after this treatment. Treatment , if diagnosed, usually consists of surgery to remove the tumor plus radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or hormonal drugs. 