Benign breast changes
In most cases, breast lumps become benign and will not become cancer or spread. However, they can be painful or cause inflammation, they can also lead to other health issues (such as infections). Examples of benign changes in the breast are:
Breast cysts
This is commonly seen in women in their 40s who are in perimenopause (the period before menopause when a woman stops having periods). However, they can affect women at any age. Benign cysts [1] are sacs filled with fluids in the breast tissue.
They mostly appear smooth and soft. It feels like a water balloon when you touch it. A breast cyst can spread and change in size during the menstrual cycle [2]. Breast cysts can be painful or soft, particularly just before your menstrual period begins.
Breast cysts can be seen anywhere in the breast, close to the surface, or deep inside. You need an ultrasound or fine-needle aspiration to examine your breast. Simple cysts have no connection to breast cancer.