Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesions

A large portion of masses occurring in breast tissue are benign lesions. Benign breast lesions are generally not cancerous and can be safely monitored or treated with correct diagnostic methods. Myoepithelial benign breast lesions are also among the rare benign breast lesions. Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves his patients in Adana, explained what myoepithelial benign breast lesions are, what their symptoms are, and how they are diagnosed and treated.

What are Myoepithelial Cells?

Breast tissue consists of milk ducts and the cells surrounding these ducts. Myoepithelial cells are special cells located around the milk ducts and lobules, and they have contractile properties. Myoepithelial cells facilitate the outward transport of milk secretion and also support the structural integrity of the breast tissue.

Sometimes, benign tumors or lesions originating from these cells can form. These lesions are rarely seen and are generally benign. However, some subtypes carry a slight risk of transformation, necessitating a careful evaluation process.

What are Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesions?

Benign breast lesions originating from myoepithelial cells can appear in different pathological types. If we were to list the most commonly diagnosed myoepithelial benign breast lesions:

Adenomyoepthelioma

Adenomyoepthelioma, resulting from the proliferation of both epithelial and myoepithelial cells, is a rare lesion that is usually benign. However, in some cases, there may be a risk of local recurrence or transformation into a malignant structure.

Myoepithelioma

Myoepithelioma, another rare tumor, is a formation predominantly composed of myoepithelial cells. It usually appears as a well-defined mass, and complete recovery is achieved when surgically removed from the body.

Adenosis and Myoepithelial Proliferation

In some benign breast diseases, an increase in myoepithelial cells may occur. This condition usually appears in conjunction with other benign breast diseases such as fibrocystic changes or adenosis.

What are the Symptoms of Myoepithelial Breast Lesions?

Myoepithelial benign breast lesions often do not show obvious signs and symptoms. However, they can be detected incidentally during routine breast screenings. Nevertheless, if we were to list the symptoms that may be observed in patients with myoepithelial benign breast lesions:

• Presence of a palpable mass in the breast tissue
• Hardness or a nodule in the breast tissue
• Rarely felt pain and tenderness
• Abnormal appearance detectable on ultrasound and mammography scans
• Slight discharge from the nipple

These lesions often appear as a well-defined, round, or oval mass. Imaging technologies may not be sufficient to make a definitive diagnosis in some cases. In such situations, histopathological examination with a biopsy may be required.

What Methods Are Used to Diagnose Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesions?

The diagnosis of myoepithelial breast lesions relies on imaging technologies and pathological examinations. If we were to list the methods used for diagnosis:

First, breast surgeons or general surgery specialists conduct a comprehensive physical examination of patients. During these examinations, palpable masses in the breast tissue may be noticed.

In addition, mammography, breast ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies are also utilized. These imaging technologies allow us to evaluate the size, boundaries, and structure of the lesion.

Another method used in the diagnosis of myoepithelial benign breast lesions is pathological examination. For this, a biopsy sample is taken from the mass using fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or excisional biopsy methods. Subsequently, the obtained biopsy sample is subjected to pathological examination. This way, the diagnosis can be confirmed.

How are Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesions Treated?

The method used for the treatment of Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesions depends on the size of the lesion, the patient's age, and the pathological characteristics of the mass. The treatment methods are as follows:

Surgical Treatment

Generally, the primary approach for treatment is the complete surgical removal of the mass from the body. This procedure can often be performed with a minor operation, ensuring a permanent cure for the patient.

Follow-up and Observation

Small lesions that are entirely benign can be kept under regular observation without treatment.

Monitoring Recurrence Risk

For lesions like Adenomyoepthelioma that may exhibit local recurrence, regular monitoring of the area is necessary even after surgical treatment.

Do Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesions Increase Cancer Risk?

Many myoepithelial breast lesions follow a benign course and are generally not cancerous. However, sometimes they may carry a risk of transforming into cancer. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation by an expert breast surgeon is required for a definitive diagnosis and accurate treatment planning. If diagnosed early, these benign breast lesions can be successfully treated. Most patients do not experience long-term problems.

In Which Cases Should a Doctor Be Consulted for Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesions?

If you encounter one or more of the following situations, you should consult an expert doctor:

• If you notice the formation of a new lump in your breast
• If there is a hardening in your breast tissue
• If there is discharge from the nipple,
• If there is a change in color or retraction of the breast skin
• If a previously detected mass shows noticeable growth

All these symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer. However, an examination by an expert doctor is needed for a definitive diagnosis and evaluation.

Myoepithelial benign breast lesions are rare breast diseases that usually follow a benign course. However, subtypes such as Adenomyoepthelioma and myoepithelioma manifest as a mass in the breast. A biopsy examination is needed for a definitive diagnosis. In many cases, surgical removal of the mass is sufficient. After treatment, patients can return to their daily lives in a short time.

Regular screenings are of great importance for breast health. Routine breast screenings; early diagnosis and correct treatment applications are important for a healthy life. If any change is detected in the breast, it is necessary to consult an expert doctor without delay.

Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesion Treatment Prices

The treatment prices and costs for Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesions are shaped by the nature of the treatment procedures to be applied, the diagnostic tools used, additional services, clinic conditions, and the surgeon's expertise and experience. To get current and precise information about the treatment prices for Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesions, you can contact Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves his patients in Adana.

Provinces Where We Provide Myoepithelial Benign Breast Lesion Treatment Services

Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan provides myoepithelial benign breast lesion treatment services to patients from surrounding provinces such as Mersin, Hatay, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Konya, and Kayseri, as well as numerous health tourists from different parts of the world, at his Adana-based clinic.