Benign Breast Lumps: Health Tip

Some 80 percent of breast lumps biopsied turn out to be benign (non-cancerous), says the Stony Brook Cancer Center.

The most common benign breast condition is a fibrocystic change. These are small, fluid-filled sacs, commonly labeled as cysts. The size and tenderness of such a lump often increase before menstruation.

Another type of lump, fibroadenomas, are benign tumors that account for most breast tumors in women under age 25.

A third type, papillomas, are small, wart-like lumps that grow near the nipple. They often result in clear or bloody discharge from the nipple, the center says.