What is breast cancer?4 min read

Breast tumours: benign and malignant

The word tumour simply means a lump. Most breast lumps are benign, but only a test can tell the difference — and that is exactly what screening and biopsy are for.

A benign tumour is a growth that stays where it started, does not invade nearby tissue and is not life-threatening. A malignant tumour is cancer: it can grow into the surrounding breast tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Benign breast changes are common

  • Cysts: fluid-filled sacs
  • Fibroadenomas: solid, smooth, movable lumps
  • Fibrocystic changes: general lumpiness and tenderness
  • Infections or inflammation of breast tissue

There is no way to tell benign from malignant by touch alone. Imaging and, if needed, a biopsy give the definitive answer. That is why we get examined — to find out the truth.

In brief

Most breast lumps are benign
Benign means not cancer; malignant means cancer
Only a biopsy gives a definitive diagnosis

What you can do

Have any new lump checked

It is usually harmless — but let a doctor confirm it.

Do not panic at the word tumour

Tumour simply means a lump; most are harmless.

Keep learning

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