What Are Breast Lumps Made Of?

Different types of lumps may appear in the breast, and 80 percent are benign, or noncancerous, according to WebMD.com. Each type of breast lump has different characteristics and a different composition.

Fibrocystic Changes

Sometimes, fluctuating levels of hormones can cause changes in women's breasts around the time of their menstrual cycle. Milk ducts and tissues can grow and form hard lumps that are cysts.

Simple Cysts

Simple cysts are lumps that are full of fluid. These cysts can vary in size and may occur in both breasts.

Fibroadenomas

These are the most common benign lumps found in female breasts. They are solid and rubbery, and they are formed from excess milk glands and breast tissue, according to WebMD.com.

Fat Necrosis

These lumps are caused by cell death, usually due to an injury to the breast. These firm and round lumps are formed from fat accumulation after the injury.

Calcifications

Macrocalcifications are big deposits of calcium and are noncancerous. Microcalcifications are small pieces of calcium and are considered more worrisome than macrocalifications, according to MedlinePlus.

Intraductal Papillomas

These lumps are growths that resemble warts. They are present in the milk duct and can cause discharge from the nipple, states MedlinePlus.

References

• WebMD.com: Benign Breast Lumps
• MedlinePlus: Intraductal Papilloma
• MedlinePlus: Mammogram--Calcifications