After a biopsy is performed, the pathologist may conclude that you have a benign breast lump. Benign lumps are not cancerous. Most lumps are caused by fibrocystic changes.
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs, and fibrosis refers to connective tissue or scar tissue formation.
Breast swelling and pain can be associated with fibrocystic changes. The breasts may feel nodular, or lumpy, and, sometimes, a clear or slightly cloudy nipple discharge is present. Benign breast tumors such as fibroadenomas or papillomas are abnormal growths, but they cannot spread outside of the breast to other organs. They are not life-threatening. This is a general type of cancer that starts in glandular tissues anywhere in the body.