They are usually round or oval, regular in outline and homogenous in texture. A diagnosis can be made by drawing off some cells with a needle. A cytologist is on hand to look at the cells immediately. They are usually left in situ. Lipomas and sebaceous cysts are other types of benign tumour, fibroadenoma being the most common.
Breast abscesses have variable appearances depending on the stage of inflammation.
In the acute phase they will have an ill defined border, whereas once chronic they will be well defined and encapsulated. Malignant breast lesions are also solid but have an irregular outline with infiltration into surrounding tissue and are heterogenous in echo texture. Mammography A mammogram is a low dose x-ray, using specifically designed equipment, which can show up the minute specks of calcium that are formed in many breast cancers, as well as other changes in the breast. Tiny cancers less than 5mm in diameter can be identified by this method. The NHS breast screening programme in the UK provides mammography examination for women between the ages of 50 and 64, at three yearly intervals, more frequently if there is a strong family history or previous problem.