JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Not all breast lumps are cancerous.
Many women experience anxiety upon discovering a lump in their breast, often fearing it’s a sign of breast cancer.
However, Dr. Vera N. Tarigan, Head of the Radiology Department at Siloam Kebun Jeruk, assures that the majority of these tumors are benign and pose no threat.
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“Ladies, please don’t panic. 80 percent of these lumps are benign tumors. So, if you find a lump, don’t immediately assume the worst,” she stated at a Press Conference and Iftar event hosted by Siloam Hospitals in Tesate Sam Ratulangi, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
Through screenings conducted in various prisons and organizations, they’ve found that most detected lumps are non-cancerous.
In fact, many of these lumps turn out to be benign tumors such as fibroadenomas or cysts.
“So, broadly speaking, our findings in prisons, organizations, or even walk-in patients at the hospital, indicate that the majority are cysts and benign breast tumors,” she explained.
Therefore, she advises against excessive worry upon discovering a breast lump. Instead, she recommends seeking immediate medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.
“Most are benign, but people are already scared,” she remarked.
Nevertheless, Dr. Vera recommends a follow-up examination six months after the initial diagnosis.
This follow-up is crucial for monitoring the lump’s development and checking for any changes in shape or texture.
“Then, another examination will be conducted six months later to check the tumor’s condition,” Vera added.
Read also: When Should You Start Breast Cancer Screening?
Ringkasan
Dr. Vera N. Tarigan assures that most breast lumps are benign, with around 80% being non-cancerous tumors like fibroadenomas or cysts. Findings from screenings in prisons and organizations indicate that the majority of detected lumps are benign. It is important not to panic upon discovering a lump.
Instead of excessive worry, Dr. Vera recommends seeking immediate medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis. A follow-up examination is advised six months after the initial diagnosis to monitor the lump’s development and check for any changes. This helps in determining the best course of action and ensures timely intervention if needed.