The most common palpable breast nodules encountered are fibrocystic breast changes which represent a fluid filled fiberous cyst in the breast tissue. These usually are tender, rubbery in consistency and moveable during the exam as opposed to fixed by connective tissue to the solid tissue underneath them. Fibrocystic changes can become worse prior to menses and when on some hormonal therapies. Supportive measures which may help include restriction of caffeine, salt and alcohol, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and possibly vitamin E or B complex supplementation. Fibrocystic areas in the breast can perhaps best be distinguished from solid tumors by ultrasound.
Fibroadenomas are another type of generally benign breast lump.
They occur as painless, freely moveable, solid masses and are slow growing. Although there have been reports of occasional carcinoma growing in fibroadenomas, it may be that the cancer has occurred coincidentally and not because of the fibroadenoma. Mastitis typically appears as a tender, red, warm area in one part of a single breast, usually in women who are pregnant or lactating. This condition is usually due to a plugged milk duct and is best managed by breastfeeding or draining the blocked area of the breast. This is best accomplished by expressing the milk or breastfeeding from a position in which the affected area of the breast is elevated in relation to the nipple.