Breast Lumps: Surgical Options and Treatment Alternatives

Breast lump

Thank you, doctor, for your response to the question I raised on the 21st.
I would like to ask you some additional questions.
If a tumor is found in the breast, is surgery the only solution? Are there other treatment options available? If surgery is necessary, will it leave scars? Additionally, I am curious about something regarding my body: if the lump in the breast is a tumor, is it possible for it to occur at a young age? Because I have the impression that lumps in the breast can appear when one is quite young.

julia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/10/22

Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid

No content.

Reply Date: 2004/10/22

More Info

When it comes to understanding breast lumps and the surgical options available, it's essential to recognize that not all breast lumps are indicative of cancer, and there are various treatment alternatives depending on the diagnosis.
Firstly, if a breast lump is detected, the approach to treatment will largely depend on the characteristics of the lump, such as its size, shape, and whether it is solid or cystic. If the lump is suspected to be malignant (cancerous), surgery is often recommended to remove the tumor. This can involve either a lumpectomy, where only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed, or a mastectomy, where a larger portion of breast tissue is excised.
However, surgery is not the only option. If the lump is benign (non-cancerous), it may be monitored over time without immediate intervention. In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as hormone therapy or radiation therapy may be appropriate, particularly if the lump is part of a broader condition like fibrocystic breast changes or if it is associated with a specific type of breast cancer that responds to these treatments.

Regarding scarring, any surgical procedure will typically leave some form of scar. The extent of scarring can vary based on the type of surgery performed, the size of the incision, and the individual's healing process. Surgeons often strive to minimize scarring by using techniques that allow for smaller incisions or by placing incisions in less visible areas.
As for the age at which breast lumps can appear, it is indeed possible for younger individuals to develop breast lumps, including tumors. While breast cancer is more commonly diagnosed in older women, it can occur in younger women and even in men. Factors such as genetics, family history, and certain lifestyle choices can influence the risk of developing breast cancer at a younger age.
In summary, while surgery is a common and often necessary option for addressing breast lumps, it is not the only solution. The decision on how to proceed should be made collaboratively between the patient and their healthcare provider, taking into account the specific circumstances of the case, including the nature of the lump, the patient's age, overall health, and personal preferences. Regular screenings and awareness of breast health are crucial for early detection and effective treatment of any abnormalities. If you have concerns about a breast lump or the implications of surgery, it is advisable to discuss these with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized guidance based on your situation.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, My mother has been undergoing regular mammograms every six months and was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. The tumor is located at the 9 o'clock position in the right breast, measuring 1.2 cm, and is a single tumor (the doctor mentioned that lymph node...

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Madam, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. If the malignant tumor is small, partial resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy can be considered. However, if your mother has multiple benign fibromas in both breasts as you described, total mastectomy ...

Understanding Breast Lumps: Fibroadenoma and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor: I am 30 years old, unmarried, and living in Kaohsiung City. I have a round hard lump in my left chest that is painful to touch, so I went to the hospital for an ultrasound examination. The doctor said it is a fibroma, about one centimeter in size, and there is anoth...

Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Ms. Xiao: 30 years old, unmarried, has a 1 cm fibroma in the breast and a fibrocystic lesion (commonly known as a cyst). From my perspective, it is better to remove the fibroma and send it for pathological examination. The cyst can be aspirated under ultrasound guidance for cytol...

Understanding Mammaplasty: Options for Breast Lumps and Cysts

Hello, doctor. Two years ago, I started having breast ultrasounds at Tzu Chi, and I have been continuously monitored since then. There are two larger masses (2-3 cm), one adenoma and one cyst. Although the doctor mentioned that continuous monitoring is sufficient, I have been con...

Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Xue: 1. Micromachining is based on the principle of cutting and suction, where all the extracted specimens are in strips (not as a complete tumor), so it cannot be used for the removal of malignant tumors. Therefore, it is primarily used for solid adenomas (cysts and lipoma...

Understanding Fibroadenoma: Minimally Invasive Surgery Options Explained

Hello, doctor. I have had fibromas since I was eighteen, and I started irregular follow-ups in my thirties, about once a year or every six months. Initially, there was only a tumor on the right side, but later one was found on the left side as well, both accompanied by a stabbing...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Breast follow-up examinations have revealed abnormal shadows (likely from an ultrasound examination), and a biopsy is recommended for pathological testing. There are different methods for performing a biopsy; the main difference between traditional and minimally invasive techniqu...