A breast lump refers to any mass, growth, or swelling that develops within the breast tissue. While discovering a new breast lump can be concerning, many are not cancerous. Recognizing the normal feel and appearance of one’s own breasts is important for noticing any changes. Any newly identified breast lump warrants medical evaluation by a healthcare professional, as self-diagnosis is not possible.
Understanding How Cancerous Lumps Often Feel
Cancerous breast lumps often feel distinct. They are commonly hard, firm, and solid to the touch, sometimes described as feeling like a rock. These lumps often have angular, irregular, or asymmetrical edges, unlike a smooth, well-defined shape. While some cancerous lumps can be soft or smooth, a hard, discrete mass is a common indicator.
A key characteristic of a cancerous lump is its immobility; it feels fixed or anchored within the breast tissue and does not move easily when pushed. This fixation can be to the chest wall or underlying tissue. Most cancerous lumps do not cause pain, though some may be tender or uncomfortable.
The size of a cancerous breast lump can vary, from as small as a pea to larger. The ability to detect a lump depends on its location, breast size, and tissue density. Cancerous lumps are persistent and do not disappear, often growing gradually.
How Benign Lumps Differ
Benign, or non-cancerous, breast lumps often feel different from cancerous ones. They are typically smooth, round, or oval. They commonly feel movable or slippery, meaning they can be rolled under the fingers within the breast tissue. Some benign lumps may also have a rubbery texture.
Pain or tenderness is a more common feature of benign lumps, especially those influenced by hormonal changes. Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, can enlarge and become sore, particularly before a menstrual period. Fibroadenomas, solid growths of tissue, are generally painless but feel firm and movable.
Common benign lumps include fibroadenomas and cysts. Fibroadenomas are prevalent in younger women, often in their 20s and 30s. Cysts are frequent in women over 35, particularly those nearing menopause. Many benign lumps may fluctuate in size with the menstrual cycle or even resolve on their own.
Next Steps After Finding a Lump
Upon discovering any new or concerning breast lump, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional. Do not wait, assuming the lump will resolve on its own. A thorough physical examination will be conducted, including palpation of the breast, armpit, and collarbone areas, along with an assessment of the skin and nipples.
Following the physical examination, imaging tests are typically ordered. These may include a diagnostic mammogram, an ultrasound, or a breast MRI. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images and can help determine if a lump is solid or fluid-filled. A breast MRI might be recommended for dense breast tissue or if initial imaging is inconclusive.
If imaging tests suggest a potentially concerning mass, a biopsy is often performed to obtain a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. A core needle biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing breast lumps, providing tissue for accurate diagnosis. Only medical professionals can definitively diagnose the nature of a breast lump.
Other Potential Signs of Breast Cancer
While a lump is the most recognized symptom, breast cancer can manifest through other significant signs. Changes in the overall size or shape of the breast may indicate an issue. Skin changes on the breast are also important indicators, including dimpling or puckering, sometimes resembling an orange peel texture (“peau d’orange”).
Other skin alterations include persistent redness, scaling, or thickening of the breast skin. Nipple changes also warrant attention, such as a nipple turning inward (inversion), or any unusual discharge not breast milk. Discharge can be clear or bloody and may occur without squeezing the nipple.
Persistent breast or nipple pain, especially if localized to one spot, should also be evaluated. Swelling in the armpit or above the collarbone, indicating enlarged lymph nodes, can also be a sign. These signs, like a new lump, require prompt medical evaluation to determine their cause.