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

Expert review and references

  • Collins LC & Schnitt SJ . Pathology of benign breast disorders. Harris JR, Lippman ME, Morrow M, Osborne CK (eds.). Diseases of the Breast. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2014.
  • Jalaguier-Coudray A, Thomassin-Piana J . Solid masses: what are the underlying histopathological lesions?. Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging. 2014.
  • Nassar A, Conners AL, Celik B, Jenkins SM, Smith CY, Heiken TJ . Radial scar/complex sclerosing lesions: a clinicopathologic correlation study from a single institution. Annals of Diagnostic Pathology. 2015.

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.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete.

The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy.


1-888-939-3333 | cancer.ca | © 2024 Canadian Cancer Society