Non-cancerous conditions of the breast
A non-cancerous (benign) condition of the breast is a change to breast cells, but it is not cancer. Non-cancerous conditions do not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body and are not usually life-threatening.
The most common non-cancerous conditions of the breast are:
- atypical hyperplasia
- breast pain (called mastalgia)
- breast cysts
- fibrocystic breasts
- nipple discharge
Other non-cancerous conditions that affect the breast include:
- adenosis
- breast infection (called mastitis)
- fat necrosis
- gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men)
- mammary duct ectasia
- radial scars
Atypical hyperplasia of the breast
Women with atypical hyperplasia have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Learn about screening, diagnosis and treatment of atypical hyperplasia.
Breast pain
Breast pain is usually associated with a benign (non-cancerous) breast condition and is rarely a sign of cancer. Learn about causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast pain (called mastalgia).
Breast cysts
Breast cysts do not increase the risk of breast cancer. Most are benign (non-cancerous) and are rarely cancerous. Learn about diagnosis and treatment of breast cysts.
Fibrocystic breasts
Fibrocystic breast changes are a common benign (non-cancerous) condition involving thickening, lumps and cysts in the breast. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Nipple discharge
Nipple discharge can be caused by several conditions, usually benign (non-cancerous). Learn about causes, diagnosis and treatment of nipple discharge.
Other non-cancerous breast conditions
Radial scars, fat necrosis and adenosis are benign (non-cancerous) conditions that can affect the breast. Learn about these other benign breast conditions.