Breast health: You’ve found a lump: Now what?
It’s something that every woman fears: finding a lump in her breast. While the fear is understandable, it may be comforting to know that not every lump signals cancer. In fact, most aren’t cancerous — 90 percent of breast lumps in women during their 20s to early 50s turn out to be one of several benign conditions, like a cyst.
Know your lumps and bumps
Breast tissue varies from woman to woman. Keep up with your breast health by being aware of how your breasts normally look and feel. Contact your doctor if you find a lump that feels unusual or is harder or different from the rest of your breast tissue. If you’re unsure about whether to see your doctor, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Your doctor’s next steps
“Regular mammograms and self breast exam are the most inexpensive way to save lives,” says Narendra Kapadia, MD, Oncologist for Vista Health System. “Yearly mammograms are especially important for women as they get older to screen for cancer.”
Evaluation of a lump or abnormality typically starts with a clinical breast exam, during which your doctor will examine your breasts and armpit tissue and look for lumps or areas of thickening. If your doctor confirms you have a lump or area of concern, you’ll likely need additional testing to determine the cause. Other diagnostic tests may include:
Ÿ A diagnostic mammogram, which is a specialized X-ray designed to locate and determine the size of the lump or abnormality.
Ÿ An ultrasound, often used in combination with a mammogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the breast.
Ÿ A biopsy, in which a small amount of tissue is collected to be analyzed by a lab.
Ÿ A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the breast.
Ÿ Fine-needle aspiration, in which your doctor inserts a needle into the lump to remove any fluid. If a lump contains clear fluid, it’s likely a cyst that will disappear once the fluid is removed.
Breast cancer symptoms
In addition to a lump, other common breast cancer symptoms include:
Ÿ swelling in or around your breast, collarbone or armpit
Ÿ skin thickening or redness
Ÿ warmth or itching in your breast
Ÿ changes in nipple appearance (such as thick or scaly skin) or nipple discharge
Ÿ breast pain