What Is a Breast Lump?
A breast lump is any mass or thickening in breast tissue that feels different from the surrounding tissue. Lumps can vary in:
- Size
- Texture (soft, firm, or hard)
- Location
- Mobility (fixed or movable)
Common Types of Breast Lumps
Non-Cancerous (Benign) Lumps
-
Fibroadenomas
- Most common in women aged 20-30
- Firm, smooth, and mobile
- Usually painless
-
Cysts
- Fluid-filled sacs
- More common in pre-menopausal women
- Can be tender, especially before menstruation
-
Fibrocystic Changes
- Normal hormonal changes
- Often bilateral and cyclical
- May cause lumpiness and tenderness
Potentially Cancerous (Malignant) Lumps
- Usually hard and irregular
- Often fixed in position
- May cause skin changes or nipple discharge
- Typically painless
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if you notice:
- A new lump
- Changes in existing lumps
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Nipple changes or discharge
- Breast pain that doesn't resolve
Diagnostic Procedures
- Clinical breast examination
- Imaging tests:
- Mammogram
- Ultrasound
- MRI (in specific cases)
- Biopsy (if required)
Risk Factors
- Age
- Family history
- Personal history of breast conditions
- Hormonal factors
- Lifestyle factors
Prevention and Monitoring
- Regular self-examinations
- Annual clinical breast exams
- Mammogram screening as recommended
- Healthy lifestyle choices
Treatment Options
Depend on diagnosis and may include:
- Monitoring (watch and wait)
- Medication
- Needle aspiration for cysts
- Surgical removal
- Cancer treatment if malignant