Breast lumps in nursing mothers
Breast lumps are common among breastfeeding mothers, but they should never be ignored. Breasts may feel hard after giving birth because they are engorged with milk. Some women may also have lumps in their breasts during this period. These lumps, however, are clogged milk ducts that will disappear with time. If the lump does not go within a week or two, it is important to visit a doctor and get it examined. Only the right diagnosis of the lump from a professional can save you from all the worry.
Is a lump considered normal?
As stated above, a breast lump is quite common while breastfeeding. These tumors develop for a variety of causes and disappear over time without therapy. If your lump does not pain and does not go away, it might be malignant. Such an issue needs prompt medical care before it is too late.
Breast Lumps Types
Plugged Ducts:
Plugged ducts arise when milk is blocked in a specific area of the breast. It may be caused by poor feeding technique or milk stasis.
Breast Engorgement:
Painful lumps are frequent in breastfeeding women. Engorgement is one of the primary causes. It causes stiff, irritated breasts. Breasts that are swollen may develop lumps. The lumps disappear once the milk is emptied manually or using a pump.
Mastitis:
Mastitis is defined as a lump in the breast accompanied by redness, tenderness, and discomfort. Mastitis is caused by a buildup of milk behind the milk ducts, which causes infection. Another cause of mastitis is ignoring a clogged duct and leaving it untreated.
Breast Abscess:
A breast abscess is caused by pus in the breast. Pus develops when mastitis is not treated. It is critical to remove an abscess using a needle and antibiotics; otherwise, it might cause fever and pain.
Milk cysts:
Milk cysts are found around the mammary glands. They occur as a result of a blockage in the milk ducts and disappear after the mother quits nursing.
Fibroadenoma:
A breast tumor is quite frequent in women aged 20 to 30. It is a fibrous tissue tumor that does not go away with the monthly cycle. Some breast lumps develop and fade with the monthly cycle, but Fibroadenoma does not. It requires rapid medical intervention.
Lipomas:
These fatty lumps in the breasts develop slowly. With some pressure, the round and oval-shaped lumps slide readily. They may occur in more than one location in the breast.
Breast Cancer:
A cancerous mass in the breast that causes no discomfort. It might start in the breast or the nipple. The upper quadrant of the breast is the most common location for cancer to begin. They are malignant tumors that are also quite painful.
What should you do if you find a lump in your breast during breastfeeding?
It is important to examine the lump as soon as possible. Proper self-examination is required so that you may see a doctor as soon as possible:
- Engagement may be the reason for your lumps if you are a nursing mother. You may treat it with a warm bath or just compress it with a warm cloth.
- Massage the lumpy region well after a warm bath.
- Regularly breastfeed your child. This will prevent the milk ducts from becoming clogged.
- If you develop discomfort in your lump, contact your doctor right away.
- Because lumps give out heat, try to remain as hydrated as possible. Drink plenty of fluids, such as soups and drinks.
- If your lump does not go away in 4 to 5 days and is bleeding, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
- Get all of the testing done to identify whether or not the bump is cancerous.
- A bump might be a cyst or a malignancy. Only a thorough medical evaluation can rule it out. Cysts do not usually need much therapy, but in the event of tumors, it is critical to determine if it is benign or malignant.
How can lumps be avoided when breastfeeding?
If you are a nursing mother, you may use the following measures to avoid the growth of breast lumps:
- Breastfeed your infant on a regular basis.
- Maintain the cleanliness of your nipples. Wash them with warm water and cotton.
- Massage your breasts to avoid milk buildup in one place.
The production of breast lumps may be caused by a variety of factors. The reason for the lump must be determined. There is nothing to freak out about. Contact Dr. Rajinder Kaur Saggu the top Breast Surgeon in Delhi for professional guidance on breast lumps, treatment, and prevention.
Also read: How To Identify Breast Cancer?
Thanks for reading!
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