Page 64 2026 PAINT THE PAPER PINK Lincoln Daily News Oct/Nov 2026 Noncancerous Breast Conditions Benign (noncancerous) breast conditions are very common, and most women will have them at some point in their lives. These conditions are not life-threatening and may not need treatment unless symptoms are bothersome, although some are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer. About noncancerous breast conditions Most breast changes are benign. Unlike breast cancers, benign breast conditions are not lifethreatening. But some are linked with a higher risk of getting breast cancer in the future. Some benign breast changes may cause signs or symptoms, such as breast pain, lumps, or nipple discharge. Other changes might be found during a mammogram. In either case, some changes can be hard to tell apart from breast cancer. Your health care team may need to do other exams or tests to make a clear diagnosis. Adenosis of the Breast Adenosis is a benign (noncancerous) breast condition in which the lobules (milkproducing glands) are enlarged, and there are more glands than usual. Adenosis is often found in breast biopsy samples of women who have fibrocystic changes in their breasts. Sclerosing adenosis is a special type of adenosis in which the enlarged lobules are distorted by scar-like tissue. This type may cause breast pain. Duct Ectasia Duct ectasia, also known as mammary duct ectasia, is a benign (noncancerous) breast condition. It happens when a milk duct in the breast widens and its walls thicken. This can cause the duct to become blocked and lead to fluid build-up. It’s more common in women in their 40s to 60s, but it can happen at other ages, too. Fat Necrosis and Oil Cysts in the Breast Fat necrosis is a benign (noncancerous) breast condition that can develop when an area of fatty breast tissue is injured. It can also develop after breast surgery or radiation treatment. Fibroadenomas of the Breast Fibroadenomas are common, benign (noncancerous) breast tumors. They are made up of both glandular tissue and stromal, or connective, tissue. Fibroadenomas are most common in women in their 20s and 30s, but they can be found in women of any age. Fibrocystic Breast Changes Some breast lumps turn out to be noncancerous (benign) changes in fibrous tissue (fibrosis). Other lumps turn out to be cysts. These together are known as fibrocystic changes. These changes used to be called fibrocystic disease, but they are common in many women.
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