Understanding Lump or mass in breast: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Lump or mass in breast

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

A breast lump is a mass that develops in your breast. While a breast lump can be a sign of breast cancer, often it is not related to cancer. Eight out of 10 breast lumps are noncancerous. If you feel a lump in your breast or under your arm, see your doctor.

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Signs & symptoms

Breast tissue normally might feel lumpy or ropy and you may have tenderness that comes and goes with your menstrual period. If you have an underlying breast condition, you might notice changes in how your breasts normally feel, such as: * A round, smooth and firm breast lump * A large, solid-feeling lump that moves easily under your skin * A hard, irregular-shaped breast lump * Skin redness or dimpling like an orange * Changes in breast size or shape * Fluid leaking from your nipple

Diagnosis

If you feel a lump or anything unusual in your breast, see your healthcare provider. Here’s what you can expect at the initial appointment: * Health history: Your healthcare provider asks you about your symptoms, medical history and family history. * Breast exam (mammogram and/ or ultrasound): These imaging scans provide detailed views of the breast. Depending on the exam at your initial appointment, your healthcare provider may schedule other tests, including: * Breast MRI: This imaging scan uses magnetic fields to create detailed breast images. * Needle aspiration: Using a needle, your healthcare provider removes a sample of cells for evaluation. * Biopsy: This procedure removes a larger tissue sample for analysis. There are several types of biopsy procedures. During a core biopsy, radiologists use a larger needle to remove a tissue sample. During an excisional biopsy, surgeons remove the entire breast lump.

Treatment

Treatment for a breast lump depends on the cause. Some lumps don’t require any treatment. Breast lump treatment includes: * Antibiotics for a breast infection. * Fluid drainage for a breast cyst (if it is large or painful). * Excisional biopsy to remove a mass (if suspicious for cancer, painful or enlarging). * Cancer treatment if the lump is biopsy-proven breast cancer. Cancer therapies may include lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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