Breast lumps are common. Fortunately, they are not always a cause for concern. Common causes, such as hormonal changes, can cause breast lumps to come and go on their own.
More than 1 million women undergo breast biopsies every year. These tests show that up to 80 percent of tumors are benign or noncancerous, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Although you can’t tell for yourself whether a lump is cancerous, you can learn some signs to look out for. These signs can tell you whether you have a lump and help you decide when to seek medical help.
You may be concerned if you notice a lump in your breast, but it is not always a sign of a serious condition. Most breast lumps are not caused by cancer, especially if you are under 40 and have not had breast cancer in the past.
A solid breast tumor feels different than typical breast tissue. They usually have several harmless causes, including:
Non-cancerous growths often move easily and roll between the fingers. Lumps that cannot be moved or jigged with your fingers are more likely to become cancerous and should be a cause for concern.
There are several conditions that can cause lumps to appear in breast tissue. Breast lumps can occur for certain reasons, such as changes in the menstrual cycle, and these lumps may form for a short time and disappear on their own. Other causes may require medical attention but are not cancer.
Some breast lumps are not caused by cancer but still require medical attention. If these growths are not treated, they can increase the risk of developing cancer and even develop into cancerous tumors.
Breast cancer tumors are aggressive. They are caused by abnormal breast tissue cells that can grow and spread to other parts of the breast, lymph nodes and other organs.
Because of its small size, early-stage breast cancer often has no signs or symptoms. These conditions are most often discovered during routine screening tests.
When breast cancer progresses, it usually first appears as a single, hard, one-sided lump or thick area with irregular borders under the skin. Unlike benign lumps, breast cancer lumps usually cannot be moved with your fingers.
Breast cancer tumors do not usually feel tender or painful to the touch. Most often they appear in the upper chest, near the armpits. They may also appear in the nipple area or lower breast area.
In men, lumps may also form in the breast tissue. Like lumps in a woman’s breast tissue, lumps are not necessarily cancer or a serious condition. For example, lipomas and cysts can cause lumps in the male breast tissue.
Typically, lumps in male breasts are caused by gynecomastia. This condition causes breast tissue to enlarge in men and can cause a lump to form under the nipple. The lump is usually painful and can appear in both breasts.
In some cases, the condition is caused by hormonal imbalances or medications, but in other cases, no clear cause can be determined.
Fortunately, gynecomastia does not cause any medical harm, but it can undermine the confidence and self-esteem of affected men. Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
Many causes of breast lumps are benign and may even go away on their own. However, it is always a good idea to see a medical professional to have a breast lump checked.
For benign lumps, this may mean simply telling your doctor about the lump at your next scheduled appointment. For lumps that may be cancerous, it is best to make an appointment right away.
There are several signs that a lump may be cancerous. Use them to decide when to seek treatment.
Some breast lumps are harmless and should be discussed with your doctor. These lumps include:
When it comes to breast lumps, it’s always best to trust your gut. If the tumor meets these criteria but something is wrong, seek medical attention immediately. Although most breast lumps are not cancer, getting some tests is recommended, especially if you are concerned about it.
If a lump in your breast could be dangerous, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation as soon as possible. Don’t wait until your next appointment. Signs that require a visit include breast lumps:
Breast lumps and other signs may mean you should seek emergency care. If your breast cancer has started to spread, you should not wait to see it. It’s best to get emergency medical help if you have a breast lump and:
A lump with any of these symptoms does not always mean that you have invasive breast cancer, or even that you have breast cancer at all. However, since breast cancer is best treated at an early stage, it is important not to wait.
Again, it’s always best to follow your gut feeling. If you have a lump in your breast and something serious is bothering you, make an appointment.
Many formations in breast tissue are harmless. They can be caused by hormonal changes and may come and go on their own. These lumps are usually easy to move with your fingers and may be soft to the touch. Lumps caused by breast cancer are usually painless and unlikely to develop.
It is best to report any breast lumps to a healthcare professional. They may want to do a biopsy to find out exactly what it is and give you the best treatment.
Our experts continually monitor health and wellness and update our articles as new information becomes available.
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Post time: Sep-22-2023