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Two Northwestern Medicine Breast Health Program nurses looking at imaging on computer screens.

Benign Breast Conditions

Not all illnesses of the breast are cancer. Noncancerous conditions are called benign.

Benign breast conditions range from cysts to inflammation of the breasts. Some benign breast conditions can be painful and need to be treated. Others may have no impact on your life and do not require treatment.

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Some benign breast conditions can mimic cancer, requiring a biopsy to determine if they are benign or malignant (cancerous). During a biopsy, your physician will remove tissue from the abnormal area of your breast and send it to a pathology lab to be analyzed under a microscope.

Your physician will go over the results of your biopsy with you and discuss next steps.

Benign Breast Conditions Resources

Benign Biopsy Results

If the results of your biopsy indicate that your breast abnormality is benign, this means it is not cancer.

benign biopsy results

Atypical Biopsy Results

If the results of your biopsy indicate that your breast abnormality is atypical, this means that the findings are not normal, but also not cancer.

atypical biopsy results

High Risk Biopsies

High-risk benign breast abnormalities are conditions that may increase your risk for developing cancer in the future.

high-risk biopsies

Infections of the Breast

If your breast becomes infected with bacteria, your body’s immune system will spring into action, causing an inflammatory response that may cause swelling and pain.

infections of the breast

When to See Your Physician

You know your breasts best. You should be aware of what is normal for you monthly so that you can discuss any changes with your physician.

when to see your physician

Northwestern Medicine Cancer Care Network

Our multidisciplinary team works in collaboration together across the entire Chicagoland area.

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