Breast masses and nipple discharge are common symptoms that cause women to seek medical care.
1,2 Approximately 50% of women will have a benign breast lesion in their lifetime,
1 and up to 90% of palpable breast masses in menstruating women are benign.
3 During the evaluation of a palpable breast mass or nipple discharge, physicians should consider the patient's age, parity, age at first pregnancy, breastfeeding status, menstrual cycle, use of contraception, hereditary factors, family history, onset and duration of symptoms, location (in the case of a mass), breast and nipple tenderness, history of breast masses, previous breast biopsies, and medications, including herbal remedies and supplements.
4 The color, consistency, laterality, and spontaneity of nipple discharge should also be examined, if applicable.
4 In addition to a detailed history, diagnostic workup may include osteopathic structural and physical examinations, laboratory studies, mammography, ultrasonography, and biopsy.
4,5 Further evaluation is necessary if there is discrepancy in the results.
2,4,5 The current review aims to assist physicians in the evaluation, workup, and management of benign breast conditions.