New Breast Mass

Excerpt

Breast lumps or masses are very common, particularly among women of reproductive age. Over 25% of women are affected by breast disease in their lifetime, and the vast majority of these cases present initially as a new breast mass in the primary care setting. Breast masses have a wide range of causes, from physiological adenosis to highly aggressive malignancy. Although the majority of breast masses are present in adult women, children and men can also be affected. Indeed, male breast cancer is a well-documented condition and requires a considered index of suspicion for its timely diagnosis and intervention.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide, with an incidence of approximately 12%, and therefore. However, the vast majority of breast lumps are benign. A thorough and structured approach is required in all cases. The approach should generally follow the triple-assessment pathway of clinical examination, radiological imaging, and pathology analysis. Such an approach is described in this topic, with examples throughout of the common breast pathologies encountered.