The phyllodes tumour is a good example of a benign lump that may not always be benign.
Breast lump expert, Mr Simon Marsh says, "So, what should you do with a benign breast lump? Well, nothing, unless you want to, but you have to be absolutely sure it is benign and that is not always straightforward."
One such lump is called the phyllodes tumour (tumour just means lump). These lumps feel very similar to fibroadenomas but tend to occur in slightly older women. The point is that they are more active than fibroadenomas and have a tendency to come back if they are not completely removed.
Wide Local Excision
Some phyloodes tumours (a small number) are actually considered to be cancerous and it can be difficult to tell without examining the whole lump. For this reason if there is any suspicion that a lump may be a phyllodes tumour then it is usually removed with a rim of normal breast tissue around it (an operation called a wide local excision).
Even though the majority of phyllodes tumours will be harmless it is quite common to follow up women who have had phyllodes tumours removed. The phyllodes tumour is a good example of a benign lump that may not always be benign.
Why are benign lumps removed?
Adenomas of the breast are also benign lumps. They tend to occur just underneath the nipple and feel smooth and round, like fibroadenomas, but are not moveable. It can be difficult to be absolutely sure that a lump is definitely a benign adenoma and so they are often removed.
For further information see - Benign Breast Lumps
