Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD — Written by Lauren Martin on May 25, 2021 Sometimes, a lump in the breast is a symptom of breast cancer. While not all lumps are cancerous, a person should have a doctor check any new lumps that appear in the breast or armpit. Other warning signs of breast cancer a person should look out for are nipple discharge, dimpling skin, and breast swelling or thickening. Read on to learn more about different types of breast lumps and when they are a symptom of breast cancer. Share on PinterestWestend61/Getty Images Nobody’s breasts are the same, and how they look and feel may change throughout the menstrual cycle. Many conditions and medications could cause lumps in the breast. These include: However, if a person is concerned about a lump, they should speak with a doctor who can physically examine it. According to a 2020 article, a cancerous breast lump is painless, hard, and has uneven edges. It may also fix itself to underlying tissue such as the chest wall. This means it will not move when someone prods it. When a person sees or feels a change in their breast, be it a new lump or skin dimpling, they should consult a doctor who will physically examine the breast. To learn more about the lump, the doctor usually will request a mammogram or ultrasound. Other symptoms of breast cancerOther changes in the breast people should look out for include:
Although breast cancer is rare in males, these symptoms also apply to them. Cancerous breast lumps do not have a set size. Some could be the size of a pea while others could be larger. Any lump, no matter how big or small, could cause cancer. That said, the longer a cancerous lump grows, the greater the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body. This is why it is important that people speak with a doctor as soon as they notice a lump in their breast of any size. Benign breast lumps are non-cancerous, and it is normal for people to have them at some point during their lives. Cysts and fibroadenomas are examples of benign breast lumps. According to Breastcancer.org, symptoms of benign breast lumps include:
However, some types of breast cancer also present with these symptoms, so it is important that a person speaks with a doctor as soon as they notice any changes in their breast. Also, some benign breast conditions can increase the risk of a person developing breast cancer later in life. In these cases, a doctor will draw up a treatment plan and monitor the breast for any changes. Learn more about noncancerous breast lumps here. Cysts are common in females aged between 35–50 and are benign lumps. Unlike cancerous lumps, cysts may enlarge and feel sore during the days before menstruation. Blocked breast glands can cause cysts. When a person is examining their breast, the lump may feel soft or hard. At the skin surface, a person may think the lump feels like a large blister. If the cyst is deeper in the breast, it may feel hard due to the tissue covering it. Cysts can go away on their own, but in some cases a doctor may drain the fluid. Fibroadenomas are small, painless lumps that feel solid, smooth, and round. They are most common in females who are 20–30 years old. Unlike cancerous lumps, fibroadenomas do not present with nipple discharge and swelling. A person may feel they can move the lump around, and that it has a rubbery texture. One certain type of fibroadenoma may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly in females where breast cancer runs in the family. Usually, a fibroadenoma will go away on its own, but a doctor will remove it if it does not, or if it grows bigger. If a person notices their breast is lumpy, tender, and warm while nursing they likely have mastitis. Mastitis an infection that develops from a blocked milk duct. A doctor will treat the infection with antibiotics. To prevent mastitis from recurring, a person may need to try different nursing techniques. If more lumps develop in the breast after the person takes antibiotics, they should speak to their doctor again. While only 3% of females develop breast cancer while nursing, it is important for a person to watch closely for any changes in their breast at this time. Learn more about breast cancer while breastfeeding here. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, people should perform breast self-exams at least once a month. The best time for females to do this is immediately after the end of a menstrual period. A person can perform the following steps to perform a breast self-exam:
How to perform a male self-examA person can perform the following steps:
Breast self exams should not be a substitute for getting regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force suggests that females aged 50–74 get a mammogram every 2 years. Those aged 40–49 should talk to a healthcare professional about when they should get a mammogram. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide breast cancer screening services to people with a low income, as well as those who are underinsured or have no insurance. A person may be eligible for free or low-cost screenings if they:
For malesAs breast cancer is rare in males, there is little benefit in screening regularly for breast cancer. Additionally, a mammography is typically only done if a lump is present. However, those with a family history of breast cancer can request genetic testing and counseling. These tests can help discover if a person has a particular gene that increases the chance of developing breast cancer, such as the BRCA gene mutation. A person should speak with a doctor as soon as they feel a lump in their breast. It is impossible to tell if a lump is cancerous or benign from self-examination alone. Other symptoms a person should look out for include nipple discharge, breast skin dimpling that resembles orange peel, and changes in nipple and breast color. If a doctor is unsure of the cause of the lump they generally will request either an ultrasound or mammogram to get more information. A lump in the breast can be benign or malignant. Breast consistency can change with menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or weight gain. If a person has breast cancer, they may notice other symptoms, such as other lumps near the armpit or discharge from the nipple. A person should always speak with a doctor if they find a lump in their breast, no matter how small the lump is. If the lump is cancerous and grows bigger, the cancer cells could break off and spread to other areas of the body. Non-cancerous lumps are benign and include cysts and fibroadenomas. Cysts may enlarge and cause pain just before a person’s period starts. Fibroadenomas feel solid and move when a person pokes them. Last medically reviewed on May 25, 2021
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