Lipomas in the breast have very few symptoms. This article discusses the possible signs and potential causes of lipomas in the breast. It also covers risk factors and when to seek tests or treatment for your symptoms.
Symptoms of a Lipoma in the Breast
Lipomas are small fatty tumors that rarely cause noticeable signs or symptoms. A lipoma in the breast may cause symptoms if it is large enough to be felt. Symptoms of a lipoma in the breast may include:
A lump just under the skinSkin that is soft and doughy to the touchSkin that causes pain when you press it over a nerve or jointA lump that can develop as a single lump or a cluster
Causes of a Lipoma in the Breast
The cause of a lipoma in the breast is usually unknown. Some research indicates that it may be related to an injury in the area. Trauma or injury to the breast could lead to increased production of fat cells and fatty tumors. Your risk of lipoma may increase if you have a family history of lipomas.
Cyst: A fluid-filled sac in the breast Fibroadenoma: A tumor made up of glandular or connective tissue Intraductal papilloma: A wart-like tumor that grows in the milk ducts Hamartoma: A painless tumor made up of fatty or fibrous tissue Neurofibroma: A tumor made up of nerve cells Hematoma: A collection of blood caused by internal bleeding Hemangioma: A tumor made from blood vessels Adenomyoepithelioma: A tumor made up of cells from the milk duct walls
Lipomas in the breast may be associated with the following conditions:
Multiple hereditary lipomatosis (a rare inherited condition characterized by numerous lipomas in the abdominal area, arms, or legs) Gardner syndrome (a genetic condition involving growths called polyps inside and outside of the colon) Adiposis dolorosa (a condition where the lipomas or folds of fatty tissue apply pressure to nerves, causing pain) Madelung disease (a rare disorder characterized by growths in the upper part of the body, such as the neck, arms, shoulders, and chest)
How to Treat a Lipoma in the Breast
Lipomas are usually harmless and do not require treatment. If you have a painful or very large lipoma, your healthcare provider may recommend removing it. Surgery or liposuction can remove a lipoma.
Complications and Risk Factors Associated With Lipomas in the Breast
Most lipomas are harmless and do not lead to complications. However, if your lipoma is very large or is rapidly growing, it could start to press on nerves, blood vessels, or joints. This could lead to pain and discomfort.
Risk factors for a lipoma in the breast include injury to the area and a family history of lipomas.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of a Lipoma in the Breast?
If you notice a soft lump in your breast, your healthcare provider will recommend diagnostic tests to rule out breast cancer. Tests to expect include:
Physical exam: Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam, including a breast exam. They may be able to diagnose a lipoma based on this alone. Mammogram: A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray for screening and diagnosing breast cancer. It may show breast lipomas. Breast ultrasound: A breast ultrasound uses soundwaves to provide an image of the breast tissue. It can detect lipomas more clearly than an ultrasound can. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Your healthcare provider may recommend a breast MRI if the mammogram or ultrasound does not provide clear results. Breast biopsy: If your symptoms or diagnostic tests suggest that you may have breast cancer, your provider may recommend a breast biopsy. This procedure involves taking a sample of tissue or fluid from the breast lump and studying it under a microscope.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Anytime you feel a new lump in your breast, it is important to see your healthcare provider. This is especially essential if you or a family member have a history of cancer.
See your healthcare provider immediately if you feel a lump and show signs of breast cancer. Symptoms of breast cancer include:
Swelling in the breastNipple dischargeRedness or flaky skin in the nipple areaIrritation of the skin on the breast or nipplePulling in of the nipple area
Summary
A lipoma in the breast is a benign tumor made up of fat cells. It is usually harmless and painless. If the lipoma is large, it could lead to symptoms, including a lump under the skin that feels soft and doughy. If the lipoma presses on a nerve, blood vessel, or joint, it could cause pain.
Lipomas usually do not require treatment. If it is causing issues such as pain, your healthcare provider may recommend removing the lipoma with surgery or liposuction.
