As awareness of breast cancer increases, more women are willing to undergo breast screenings and seek medical help when abnormalities are found. When a breast tumor is discovered, patients often ask: &ldquoWill a tumor turn cancerous if left for too long?&rdquo &ldquoDoes a benign tumor always need surgical removal?&rdquo

Self-exams can miss early tumors&mdashregular screening is crucial
Taiwan&rsquos Health Promotion Administration offers free mammograms to asymptomatic women aged 45&ndash69. Dr. Luo Zhujun, breast surgeon at Chengda Hospital, explains that tumors detectable by self-exam are usually over 2 cm. Deep or small tumors often go unnoticed, so imaging is vital for early detection.More and more women are willing to undergo breast screening.

Common types of benign breast tumors

• Fibrocystic changes: Most common, often affecting both breasts with tenderness linked to menstruation.
• Fibroadenomas: Occur in women aged 15&ndash35, firm, round, movable rarely become cancerous.
• Phyllodes tumors: Leaf-shaped, rare (~1%), may be benign or malignant pathology confirms type, surgery is the main treatment.
• Breast cysts: Common in women aged 30&ndash40 best diagnosed by ultrasound, fluid can be aspirated.
  
  

Three factors to decide on surgery
Dr. Luo lists key criteria:

• Benign cells with precancerous traits
• Inconsistent imaging and biopsy results
• Tumor growth risk affecting breast appearance
  
  

Surgical options
Traditional surgery suits all sizes but may leave larger scars.
Minimally invasive surgery uses a vacuum-assisted device via a 0.5 cm incision, best for tumors under 3 cm. It&rsquos quicker, leaves smaller scars, and enables faster recovery.

Even benign tumors should be regularly monitored every 3 to 12 months for safety.Dr. Lo Chu-Chun, Breast Surgeon at Cheng Kung University Hospital (Image/Heho Health)