Breast Lumps

What are breast lumps?

A breast lump refers to a growth or mass occurring within the breast. Although lumps can sometimes indicate breast cancer, they are mostly benign (non-cancerous). In fact, 8 out of 10 breast lumps are benign. If you notice a lump in your breast or beneath your arm, do not panic. A medical professional can examine the lump to determine its cause and whether further tests or treatments are necessary.

It’s advisable to be familiar with the usual appearance and feel of your breasts, as this can help you detect any changes.

What does a breast lump feel like?

A breast lump can feel as firm as a rock or as soft as a pea or grape. These lumps can develop in the breast tissue or near the armpit region, and they may feel different or harder than the surrounding tissue.

Common characteristics of breast lumps include:

• Bumpy feel
• Smooth or sponge-like texture
• Soft or squishy
• Solid or firm
• Moveable (can be pushed around)
• Round or irregular shape

Additionally, the lump may be tender or painful to the touch; however, this doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious issue. Pain associated with breast lumps may appear and disappear with your menstrual cycle.

A breast lump may also be associated with changes in the nipple, such as turning inward or releasing clear or bloody discharge.

Remember that a breast lump, especially while breastfeeding or chestfeeding, could indicate engorgement or a blocked milk duct. It’s important to see a professional if the lump doesn’t resolve in a few days.

What does a cancerous breast lump feel like?

The symptoms of a cancerous breast lump can vary from person to person. In general, the signs to be aware of include:

• A firm, discrete lump is the prevalent symptom of breast cancer. The tissue has a distinctly different feel compared to the surrounding breast tissue. Initially, it may be movable, but over time, it may become less mobile.
• Skin changes such as bulging, dimpling, puckering, or reddening, especially when observing your breasts in a mirror with your arms raised above your head.
• Changes in breast size and shape.
• Pain confined to one region of the breast.
• Nipple changes, such as bloody discharge, erosion or scaliness, or an inverted nipple. It’s crucial to see a doctor immediately if one of the nipples suddenly appears different from the other.

Causes

What are the possible causes of breast lumps?

The causes of breast lumps often include:

• Fibrocystic changes: Small fluid-filled sacs and fibrous (rubbery) tissue can make the breast feel lumpy.
• Breast cysts: Trapped fluid in the milk ducts can lead to the formation of fluid-filled sacs. These cysts are usually common in women who haven’t reached menopause.
• Fibroadenomas: These non-cancerous lumps are the most common breast tumours affecting younger women and those assigned female at birth, particularly in their 20s and 30s. To assess fibroadenomas, the doctor may use ultrasounds and perform clinical examinations.
• Phyllodes tumour: This tumour forms in the connective tissue of the breast.
• Breast calcifications: Large non-cancerous calcium deposits, often due to procedures like breast reduction or tissue flap surgery, can feel like a large, solid lump.
• Breast infection: An infection of breast tissue can result in a confined area of solid tissue. Sometimes, a breast abscess may develop, which is a hard, discrete lump filled with pus due to the infection.
• Breast cancer: A tumour developing in the breast tissue can form a lump.

What types of lumps are normal in breasts?

Breast tissue may naturally have a bumpy feel, and some individuals have lumpier breasts compared to others. If both of your breasts feel similar, this might be normal for you. However, if lumps feel harder to touch or different from the surrounding tissue, it could be a reason for concern. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider if you discover a new lump or notice changes in existing lumps.

Does a breast lump indicate cancer?

A breast lump can be a sign of breast cancer. However, most lumps are usually non-cancerous, and many other conditions may also lead to breast lumps.

It’s always wise to consult your doctor if you discover a breast lump. Early treatment increases the odds of a successful outcome if the growth is cancerous.

Is a breast lump an infection?

Breast infections are relatively common and don’t only affect lactating women but also those who are not. These infections often develop quickly, within days or a week, and can present with pain, redness, and, at times, a lump or hardened area of breast tissue. Occasionally, the infection might progress to a breast abscess.

Care and Treatment

If you notice a lump or something unusual in your breast, it’s important to consult a medical professional. Expect the following during your initial visit:

• Health history: Your provider will inquire about your medical history, symptoms, and family history.
• Breast examination: The doctor will physically examine your breast by palpating it.
• Mammogram or ultrasound: Imaging scans may be done to obtain detailed views of your breast tissue.
• In some cases, the provider may recommend further imaging tests of the breast.

What happens next?

Based on the examination and imaging results from your appointment, the doctor will suggest the next steps. If the lump is believed to be non-cancerous, routine screenings will be necessary. If the cyst is painful and tense, the fluid may be drained to relieve discomfort. The fluid is usually discarded unless it is bloody.

At times, further imaging, including a breast MRI, may be ordered to examine the lump more closely.

Will breast lumps disappear on their own?

Some lumps may resolve on their own. Younger individuals might develop lumps associated with their menstrual period, which usually disappear by the end of the cycle. Nonetheless, it’s important to inform your doctor about any lumps so they can determine the cause and whether further testing or treatment is required.

How are breast lumps treated?

Treatment for breast lumps depends on their underlying cause. In some cases, no intervention is required.

Treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics to treat breast infections.
• Fluid drainage to address large or painful breast cysts.
• Biopsy to further characterise the growth if it is suspected to be cancerous, painful, or enlarging.
• Cancer treatment if the mass is confirmed to be cancerous. This may involve surgical procedures, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

How can I maintain good breast health?

Always be attentive to your body. Consult a doctor if you notice any changes or if something doesn’t feel right.

Some tips for maintaining breast health include:

• Paying attention to breast changes and informing your doctor about any concerns. Self-breast examinations can help detect changes.
• Discussing with your doctor the risks involved and available screening options.
• Understanding your breast density and its impacts on mammograms.
• Annually reporting any changes to your provider regarding your family health history.

When to Call the Doctor

What kind of breast lump should I be concerned about?

Naturally, breast tissue has a lumpy texture. If the lump feels the same as the surrounding breast tissue or is similar to the other breast, then there is likely no need for concern. However, you should contact your doctor if you discover:

• An unusual mass or growth in your breast or beneath your arm that is firmer to touch compared to the surrounding breast tissue or feels different from the other breast.
• Changes in your breast, such as nipple inversion (turning inward), clear or bloody nipple discharge, or dimpled skin.
• Pain, redness, or tenderness in the breast.
• Nipple changes, including scaling.

There are numerous causes of breast lumps, and most cases are non-cancerous. However, it’s important to consult your doctor if you notice a mass or any changes in your breasts so they can determine the cause and if treatment is needed. Always take good care of your breasts, and remember that early treatment is crucial for the best results if the lump is cancerous.

Additional Common Questions

Can men develop breast lumps?

Yes, men and those assigned male at birth can develop breast lumps. This condition, known as gynecomastia, can cause tenderness and result in a rubbery lump forming beneath the nipple.

Gynecomastia may be linked to hormonal imbalances or medication side effects. However, many cases are ‘idiopathic,’ meaning the cause is unknown.

In general, men are also susceptible to breast cancer. Therefore, you should see a doctor for an examination if you notice a mass in your breast.

Where is breast cancer mostly located?

The majority of breast cancers start in the milk ducts or lobules, usually in the upper outer regions of the breast.

What are the red flags for breast cancer?

Red flags for breast cancer can differ from person to person. Possible alarming signs include:

• Changes in breast size, texture, or shape.
• A lump or mass in the breast.
• Discharge from the nipple.
• Unusual reddening of the nipple or breast skin.
• Localised pain.
• Nipple inversion or erosion.

A Note from MD.co.uk

Breast lumps can occur for various reasons. There is no need to panic, as they are relatively common and benign. However, it’s important to see a doctor if you feel a lump or notice other changes, so they can evaluate the cause, perform imaging tests, and, if necessary, recommend appropriate treatment. Additionally, breast self-examination and staying alert to changes in your breasts and other parts of your body are essential for your overall health and well-being.