Understanding your body is fundamental to maintaining overall health. Becoming familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts allows you to identify any changes that may arise. This awareness helps you understand what is typical for you.
Key Characteristics of a Cancerous Breast Lump
A cancerous breast lump often feels distinctly different from the surrounding breast tissue. It is often hard, firm, or solid, sometimes compared to a rock or marble. The lump may also have irregular, jagged, or angular edges, rather than being smooth or round. While some cancerous lumps can be mobile, many are fixed in place, meaning they do not move easily under the skin and may feel anchored.
Most cancerous lumps are painless; pain or tenderness in the breast is more frequently associated with benign conditions like hormonal changes. However, the absence of pain does not rule out cancer, and some malignant lumps can cause discomfort. The size of a cancerous lump can vary widely, from as small as a pea to larger than a golf ball, and they can be located anywhere within the breast tissue or near the armpit. These are general characteristics, and not all cancerous lumps present with every one of these attributes.
Other Potential Warning Signs
Beyond a palpable lump, other breast changes can signal concern. Skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering, or an orange-peel texture (known as peau d’orange), may indicate issues. Redness, scaling, thickening, or bulging of the breast skin also warrant attention. These visible alterations can be important indicators, even without a distinct lump.
Nipple changes are another warning sign. This includes a nipple turning inward (inversion), or unusual discharge that is not breast milk, which could be clear, milky, or bloody. Soreness, redness, flaking, or scaling of the nipple or areola are also significant. Unexplained swelling of all or part of the breast, or a persistent increase in breast size or shape, can be a symptom.
Persistent breast or nipple pain, especially if localized and not resolving, requires evaluation. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbone area can indicate an issue, as breast cancer may spread to these nodes. Recognizing these diverse signs, alongside feeling for lumps, contributes to breast awareness.
What to Do if You Notice a Breast Change
If you notice any new or concerning change in your breast, whether it’s a lump or another symptom, consult a healthcare professional promptly. While finding a lump can be alarming, most breast changes are not cancerous. Self-diagnosis is not advisable; only medical professionals can accurately determine the nature of a breast change.
A healthcare provider will conduct a thorough clinical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or even a biopsy to determine the cause. These tests provide essential information that cannot be gathered through self-examination alone. Regular medical check-ups and routine screenings, such as mammograms, are important for early detection, often identifying changes before symptoms appear. Seeking professional evaluation ensures breast changes are properly assessed.