Benign Breast Conditions

A benign breast condition refers to abnormal changes to the breast that are NOT related or caused by cancer. Some of these benign conditions are even more common than malignant (cancerous) breast disease, the benign changes may include a breast cyst, fibroadenoma (breast mouse), rash or nipple discharge. 

Benign breast conditions are not life-threatening, however some of the symptoms may overlap with breast cancer symptoms, some conditions may increase the probability of you getting breast cancer later on. Therefore, careful assessment by a specialised breast surgeon is advised early on in the process. 



Common symptoms of benign breast conditions include

Benign breast conditions are not life-threatening, however, some of the symptoms may overlap with breast cancer symptoms, some conditions may increase the probability of you getting breast cancer later on. Therefore, careful assessment by a specialized breast surgeon is advised early on in the process.

  • Breasts that are tender to the touch, pain in the breast.
  • A lump in the breast
  • Fever (with breast redness and inflammation)
  • Nipple discharge
  • Swelling and pain
  • Nipple retraction
  • Skin irritation
  • Nipple redness
  • Scaling of the skin or nipple

If you have noticed any breast changes please book an appointment with your doctor. 

Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Sometimes, breast cancer doesn’t show any symptoms until advanced stages of the disease. However, there are some signs and symptoms that can be identified early in the process, including:

  • A breast thickening, or a lump
  • Change in the shape or appearance of the breast
  • Change in the size of the breast
  • Abnormal breast discharge
  • Change of the appearance of the skin over the breast, like the skin of an orange
  • An inverted nipple

Risk factors of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the result of a complex interaction between multiple factors including genetic potential and environmental factors. Besides the well-known genetical risk factor, there are other risk factors related to breast cancer, including:

  • Female sex
  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Radiation exposure
  • Reaching sexual maturity at a younger age ( early menarche)
  • Never being pregnant
  • Postmenopausal hormonal therapy/ Oral Contraceptive Pills 
  • Beginning menopause at an older age 

Breast cancer diagnosis


If you have noticed any of the above symptoms and signs, please visit your doctor as you will require physical examination followed by some tests for a comprehensive diagnosis 

  • Breast Ultrasound scan USS
  • Mammogram 
  • Breast Biopsy, which is the only way to make definitive diagnosis