Breast lumps have different characteristics that allow simplification of differential diagnosis by breaking down the vast list into sections. Consider whether the lump fits into one of these categories.
Spiculated lesion
Spiculation is a feature of neoplasms and all masses that display spiculation should be further imaged and biopsied where possible.
- breast cancer
- fat necrosis (some forms also called an oil cyst)
- radial scar
- post-surgical breast scar
- desmoid: fibromatosis of the breast
Lobulated lesion
- breast cancer: with microlobulation
- phyllodes tumor: cystosarcoma phyllodes
- fibroadenoma
- breast cyst
Round lesion
- breast cyst
- breast lipoma
- galactocoele
- fibroadenoma
- fibroma of breast (desmoid tumor)
- breast hematoma
- breast hamartoma (fibroadenolipoma)
- adenoid cystic carcinoma of breast (rare)
- breast lymphoma
- intramammary or axillary lymph node
- skin lesion: e.g. cutaneous neurofibroma
- pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia: PASH
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.