Does the lump become more painful or change in size around your period?.Is the lump affecting the nipple, causing inversion or discharge?.Is the lump accompanied by red, itchy or inflamed skin?.Does the lump move and slip under the fingers, or is it attached to the skin?.Your doctor will look for a variety of features and characteristics in order to answer questions such as: Joshi says your first action after feeling a breast lump should be to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. What should you do if you feel a breast lump?ĭr. 'Additionally, having a family history of breast cancer makes it more likely that a lump could be cancerous,' warns Dr. Nipple changes, including enlargement or bloody discharge.Joshi says that there are some features that make a lump particularly concerning, including: But, any lump could potentially be breast cancer, and it's impossible for a woman to determine whether her lump is cancerous or benign just by feeling it.' 'More often than not, breast lumps are harmless. 'All breast lumps need to be evaluated by a physician, regardless of your age or where in your breast you feel the lump,' says Dr.

So how can you tell if a breast lump needs to be checked out by a doctor? And while you already know that a lump could potentially signal breast cancer, you've probably also heard that most lumps are noncancerous, or benign. Which breast lumps should women worry about?īreast lumps are frightening, but fairly common. 'On the other hand, normal breast tissue will feel like consistent fibrous mesh throughout your breast.'īreast lumps are typically painless, but occasionally a woman may experience pain with a lump. Lumps can range in size - from the size of a pea to larger than a golf ball - and may or may not be movable,' says Dr. 'A breast lump will feel like a distinct mass that's noticeably more solid than the rest of your breast tissue. What does a breast lump feel like?īreast tissue in and of itself can feel somewhat lumpy and sponge-like, so it can be hard to know if what you're feeling is an actual lump or just normal breast tissue. Jitesh Joshi, medical oncologist at Houston Methodist Cancer Center, has answers to your questions about breast lumps, as well as some advice. If you're concerned about something that feels like a lump in your breast, Dr. The one thing you are sure about is that you're worried - and that you've got a lot of questions.

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