Breast lumps are a common finding that can cause concern. While discovering a lump may be alarming, most breast lumps are not cancerous, meaning they are benign. Familiarizing yourself with the normal feel and appearance of your breasts can help you identify any changes. Any new or changing breast lump warrants prompt medical evaluation by a healthcare professional. Self-diagnosis is not reliable; only a medical expert can accurately determine its nature.
Characteristics of Concerning Lumps
Concerning breast lumps often present with distinct characteristics. Such a lump typically feels hard, firm, or stony to the touch, distinguishing itself from the surrounding softer breast tissue. These lumps commonly possess irregular or jagged edges, rather than a smooth, well-defined shape. A concerning lump may also feel fixed or anchored within the breast, meaning it does not easily move or shift under the skin.
While many associate pain with serious conditions, cancerous breast lumps are frequently painless. Pain can sometimes be present, so its absence does not rule out cancer. The size of a potentially concerning lump can vary, and it generally does not fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. Its consistency will feel noticeably different from the rest of the breast tissue.
Characteristics of Benign Lumps
In contrast, benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps typically exhibit different characteristics. These lumps often feel soft, rubbery, or fluid-filled. Common types include cysts (fluid-filled sacs) and fibroadenomas (solid, non-cancerous growths). Cysts, when close to the surface, may feel like a large blister or a grape, while deeper cysts might feel harder.
Benign lumps tend to have a smooth, round, or oval shape with well-defined borders. A distinguishing feature is their mobility; they are often easily movable or “slippery” under the skin. Many benign lumps, particularly cysts or fibrocystic changes, can be painful or tender, with discomfort often increasing before a menstrual period. Their size may also change in response to hormonal fluctuations.
Other Warning Signs Beyond Lumps
While a lump is the most recognized symptom, breast cancer can manifest through other physical changes. These include a change in the overall size or shape of one breast. The skin on the breast can also show changes, such as dimpling, which might resemble the texture of an orange peel. Other skin changes include puckering, thickening, redness, or a scaly appearance.
Changes to the nipple are also important signs. These can include the nipple turning inward (inversion), or a persistent discharge, especially if clear or bloody. Swelling in the armpit or collarbone area, which could indicate swollen lymph nodes, also warrants attention. Although breast pain is more commonly associated with benign conditions, persistent breast or nipple pain that does not resolve requires evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention for any new or unusual change in your breast or surrounding area. This includes a new lump, an existing lump that has grown or changed in feel, or any other warning signs. Delaying evaluation can impact potential treatment outcomes.
Even if you recently had a mammogram or other screening, consult a healthcare provider about new symptoms. Professional evaluation is necessary to distinguish between benign conditions and those that require further investigation.
What to Expect at a Doctor’s Visit
When you visit a healthcare professional for a breast concern, they will typically begin by taking a detailed health history. A physical breast exam will be performed, where the provider manually feels your breast tissue, including the armpit and collarbone areas, for abnormalities. They will also examine the skin and nipples for any changes.
Following the physical exam, imaging tests are often ordered. These may include a mammogram, an ultrasound, or potentially an MRI. If imaging results are inconclusive or suggest a suspicious area, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample from the lump for microscopic analysis to definitively determine if it is cancerous.