DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Breast swelling

Why: to establish if acute or chronic.

Why: if bilateral it may suggests benign mammary dysplasia or benign breast cysts.

Why: suggests benign mammary dysplasia.

Why: suggests benign mammary dysplasia.

Why: may suggest acute mastitis (most common) or inflammatory breast cancer.

Why: e.g. newborn babies of either sex can present with breast swelling which lasts for 7-10 days due to the mother's hormones; a benign breast swelling under the nipple can occur in boys in one or both breasts at about 12-14 years; cysts and benign mammary dysplasia unlikely after menopause, breast cancer rare in age 12-25 and uncommon in age 26-35.

Why: if male, malignancy is rare. Gynecomastia (true enlargement of the male breasts) can occur in Klinefelter's syndrome, testicular failure, liver failure, estrogen secreting tumors and due to certain drugs.

Why: may suggest acute mastitis or breast abscess.

Why: e.g. cyclical breast pain, mastitis, nipple problems or breast cancer.

Why: increases the risk threefold.

Why: Hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Breast enlargement in men can occur with estrogen, digoxin, marijuana, spironolactone, cimetidine.

Why: suggests mastitis, abscess, benign mammary dysplasia or advanced breast cancer. If tender masses in both breasts consider benign mammary dysplasia.

Why: a painful breast lump is most likely due to an infection (e.g. mastitis or abscess). Other possibilities are benign mammary dysplasia or advanced breast cancer. Note only 5% of breast cancers are associated with pain. The ache may extend down inner aspect of the upper arm in benign mammary dysplasia.

Why: may suggest pregnancy, benign mammary dysplasia or the effect of oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy.

Why: A bloody discharge from the breast suggests a benign breast cancer (intraduct papilloma), malignant breast cancer or sometimes benign mammary dysplasia. A pus-like discharge may suggest an abscess or mastitis. A watery discharge of various colors (clear to green-grey) suggests benign mammary dysplasia.

Why: would suggest acute mastitis or abscess.