Is it possible to tear breast tissue

A lump in the breast after an injury can also be due to a deep bruise that is known as a hematoma. Fat necrosis occurs when the body replaces damaged fatty tissue with scar tissue that forms as hard, lump-like areas in the breast.

Another complication of traumatic breast injury is an oil cyst. An oil cyst is when the breast cells release an oily substance when the fat cells die, which creates a collection of cells known as oil cysts. Oil cysts are lumps that may be bruised, red, or thick in texture.

Both oil cysts and fat necrosis can cause lumps. Hematomas are another possible complication and can occur anywhere in the body after an injury, including the breast. Hematomas develop when deeper blood vessels become injured and bleed into the surrounding tissue. This collection of blood can be firm and create a lump. A doctor may have difficulty telling the difference between breast tumors that are cancerous and lumps due to the side effects of breast trauma.

A doctor may also recommend a biopsy of the tissue in the breast if the images do not provide enough information about the lump. The biopsy allows for a closer look at the breast tissue to ensure the cells are not cancerous. While fat necrosis or oil cysts can be a complication of the injury, they do not usually require treatment. Bruising and swelling due to fat necrosis or oil cysts should resolve with time. Hematomas that continue to bleed may need draining procedures or surgery for treatment.

People can talk to a doctor about removing cysts if an area of fat necrosis or oil cyst continues to cause pain and discomfort. Although many people can experience a lump in their breast, following an injury, this does not mean they should ignore a new lump.

Breast cancer risk is very low in people whose main symptom is breast pain, but if your doctor recommends an evaluation, it's important to follow through.

Changing hormone levels can cause changes in the milk ducts or milk glands. These changes in the ducts and glands can cause breast cysts, which can be painful and are a common cause of cyclic breast pain. Noncyclic breast pain may be caused by trauma, prior breast surgery or other factors.

Sometimes, it's not possible to identify the exact cause of breast pain, but some factors may increase the risk. Breast pain is more common among people who haven't completed menopause, although it may occur after menopause. Breast pain can also occur in men who have gynecomastia, and in transgender people who are undergoing gender reassignment.

The following steps may help prevent the causes of breast pain, although more research is needed to determine their effectiveness.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Breast pain mastalgia can be described as tenderness, throbbing, sharp, stabbing, burning pain or tightness in the breast tissue.

Breast pain can range from mild to severe. It may occur:. Reviewed by. The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

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This leaves a discolored area similar to a bruise on your skin. A hematoma may take up to 10 days to be visible.

How to treat a breast trauma. Breast injuries and breast cancer. What risks come with a breast injury? When to see a doctor for breast pain. The bottom line. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Dr. Sirisha Yellayi, DO. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Premenstrual Breast Swelling and Tenderness. Breast Self-Exam. Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph. Damaged breast tissue can cause fat necrosis. A hematoma is an area of blood buildup where the trauma occurred.