I Feel a Lump in My Breast: What Should I Do?

Discovering a lump in your breast can definitely be an upsetting, anxiety-provoking moment. And since breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women (aside from skin cancers), it's natural for your mind to jump to the worst-case scenario.

The good news: Many lumps aren’t cancer, and they won’t develop into cancer in the future. Lots of benign (harmless) issues cause tissue changes that can feel like a lump or mass. 

Even so, any new breast lump deserves prompt medical attention and evaluation. Here, Rafael J. Perez, MD, FACOG, and our team at the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery help you learn what steps to take if you feel a lump during your regular self-exam.

Don't panic — but don't ignore it

As noted, many breast lumps turn out to be harmless. Cysts, hormonal changes, fibroadenomas (benign growths), and even scar tissue from a prior injury or surgery are all potential reasons for a lump in your breast tissue. 

Some lumps can even come and go during your menstrual cycle.

That said, while most lumps and bumps are harmless, some lumps can be a sign of cancer. That’s why it’s so important to know what steps to take to ensure you receive the most appropriate care as quickly as possible.

Pay attention to other changes

When you discover a lump during a breast self-exam, take some time to carefully examine your breast. If you notice something, write it down. Your at-the-moment observations provide Dr. Perez with additional information that can aid in your in-office evaluation.

For example, you may notice changes in breast size or shape, changes in the way your breasts feel, or changes in your skin, like redness or dimpling. Any changes in your nipples or any type of nipple discharge can also offer important clues. 

Note when you first noticed the lump and where you are in your menstrual cycle (or whether you’re in menopause). All of this information provides a more complete picture that can aid in your exam.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Perez

Breast self-exams can be invaluable in identifying the presence of a lump, but they can’t determine the cause. While it’s true most lumps are benign, it’s still important to schedule a visit with Dr. Perez so he can evaluate your tissue and determine if other testing, like an imaging exam, is warranted.

During your exam, Dr. Perez performs a clinical breast exam and asks you about your health history and your family’s health history. These steps help him determine your risk factors for breast cancer as well as determine what to do next.

In most cases, Dr. Perez recommends breast imaging to evaluate your lump. That could mean a mammogram or an ultrasound — or sometimes both. 

Depending on your specific lump, imaging may be all that’s needed to confirm your lump is benign. In other cases, imaging may indicate a need for further testing to determine the underlying cause.

Early detection is critical

While it can be nerve-racking to wait for your results, breast cancer screening is an essential tool for determining if your lump is cancerous or benign. If you’ve noticed a lump or any other changes in your breasts, early evaluation is critical.

To find out why your breasts feel or look different, request an appointment with Dr. Perez and our team at Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in South Miami, Florida, today.