Breast swelling is a common problem that many women face throughout their lives.

While it can be caused by a number of factors that include hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy or breastfeeding, it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. This article will explore some of the common ailments that can cause breast swelling and their indications.

Mastitis

Mastitis is a breast infection that causes breast swelling and is most common in breastfeeding women. It occurs when milk ducts in the breast become blocked and bacteria infect the breast tissue.

Other symptoms that may accompany mastitis include a fever and flu-like symptoms, redness, tenderness and pain in the breast, and a burning sensation in the nipple. Treatment involves taking antibiotics, pain relief medication and continuing to breastfeed or express milk to clear the blockages in the breast.

Fibroadenoma

Fibroadenoma is a noncancerous breast tumor that can cause breast swelling. It typically presents as a lump in the breast that is smooth, well-defined, and painless.

Other symptoms may include nipple discharge, changes in breast shape, and tenderness of the lump or breast. Treatment may include monitoring the lump, surgically removing the lump, or a combination of surgery and hormone therapy.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Fibrocystic breast disease is a condition characterized by the formation of noncancerous lumps in the breast tissue that can cause breast swelling. Other symptoms may include tenderness, pain, and a feeling of fullness in the breast.

The condition usually occurs in women between the ages of 20 and 50 and is thought to be caused by hormonal changes. Treatment may include medications, proper bra support, dietary changes, and in severe cases, surgery.

Breast Abscess

Breast abscess is a collection of pus caused by bacterial infection in the breast tissue. It can cause breast swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth, and may also cause a fever.

It usually occurs in breastfeeding women but can also happen in women who are not breastfeeding. Treatment includes opening the abscess by draining the pus, antibiotics, and in rare cases, surgery.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can cause breast swelling.

Other symptoms associated with breast cancer include pain or discomfort in the breast, changes in the skin texture such as dimpling or puckering, nipple inversion, discharge, or a rash on and around the nipple. Women who have a family history of breast cancer or who are over the age of 50 are at an increased risk of developing this condition.

Early detection through mammography and regular breast exams are crucial in increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Cysts

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can occur in the breast tissue and cause breast swelling. They may present as a lump in the breast that is smooth and round and can be moved around under the skin.

Other symptoms may include pain and tenderness in the breast. Treatment may include removing the fluid through needle aspiration, monitoring the cyst to see if it disappears on its own, or in rare cases, surgical removal of the cyst.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that can cause breast swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth. It typically does not present as a lump, but as a thickening and swelling of the breast tissue.

Other symptoms may include itching, aching, and changes in the skin texture of the breast. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms occur, as early detection is crucial in increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Connective Tissue Disorders

Connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome can cause breast swelling as a symptom. The swelling is usually accompanied by joint pain, dry skin and eyes, and other general symptoms of these disorders.

Treatment may include medication to manage the underlying condition, or in severe cases, surgery.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymphatic fluid in the tissues of the body. It can occur in the breast tissue and cause breast swelling.

Other symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the breast, and decreases in arm strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Treatment may include wearing compression garments, exercise and massage therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.

Benign Breast Tumors

Benign breast tumors such as lipomas, papillomas, and adenomas can cause breast swelling. These tumors are noncancerous and are usually slow-growing and painless.

Treatment may involve surgical removal of the tumor to alleviate any discomfort or cosmetic concerns.