Benign Masses

Benign Masses

		Here is an example of a benign mass
cyst

This is a mass with smooth borders which is a good sign

This mass could be felt and it was aspirated and liquid was found

The mass resolved and this woman was asked to return in 6 months for another check-up to assure that the cyst did not "build-up" again. Sometimes cysts may recur. Please consult with your physician if you have had an aspiration to discuss follow-up. I generally recommend a 6 month follow-up.

When cysts are aspirated, the fluid may range in color from a bluish-black to straw-colored to a murky green) these are all "normal" colors. If the fluid is bloody or the mass does not completely collapse then your physician will proceed with additional testing.

Benign Masses

Here is an example of a benign mass

The mass was biopsied and proved to be a fibroadenoma (benign - noncancerous). Fibroadenomas are the most common tumors in women under age 40).

This 40 year old woman presented with a mass in the "tail" of the breast, close to the underarm, you can see from this mammogram that the breast tissue extends into this woman's underarm (which is not uncommon).

Sometimes we diagnose fibroadenomas in older women. Here you can see examples of fibroadenomas that are associated with large calcium deposits. Fibroadenomas that calcify are called calcifying, ossifying or ancient fibroadenomas.

Benign Masses

Here is an example of a benign mass

This is a hamartoma – benign overgrowth of normal breast tissue.

Here is an example of benign lymph nodes. There is a fatty center in it compared with the lymph node on the right which is very opaque.


Benign lymph nodes	Cancerous lymph node

Onto Malignant Masses