Palpable Breast Mass

Abstract

The discovery of a breast mass on self examination can be very frightening. The implications vary, depending on the age and menopausal status of the patient. Approximately 2% of all breast cancers are discovered in women less than 30 years of age, whereas 70% are found in women greater than 50 years old. A dominant, well demarcated mass in a woman less than age 30 is usually a simple cyst or fibroadenoma, whereas a mass in a postmenopausal woman is more likely to be cancer. Although breast cancer is uncommon in young women, it is not unheard of and therefore must always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a breast mass.