Benign breast disorders

Full understanding of benign breast disease should enable the obstetrician-gynecologist to appropriately evaluate symptoms, distinguish between benign and malignant processes, determine which benign breast lesions require surgical management, and identify patients who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. This article reviews nipple discharge, breast pain, palpable breast masses, adolescent breast disorders, inflammatory lesions (including mastitis and breast abscesses), and benign breast abnormality detected on imaging and biopsy. Each topic provides a review of the clinical presentation, a discussion of the appropriate workup, and a further description of specific etiology within each category.