You notice that something is different with your breast, and you find a lump. Now what?
A breast lump is any kind of growth, mass, or swelling in your breast or near your armpit. People may worry when they find breast lumps because they can be a sign of breast cancer.
But don’t panic: Most breast lumps are benign, which means they’re not cancerous. Instead, they are caused by normal changes in breast tissue, cysts or adenomas, injury, or rarely, infections. Benign breast lumps usually have smooth edges and can be moved slightly when you push against them. They are often found in both breasts.
A breast lump can be:
- Hard or soft
- Bumpy or smooth
- Movable or stationary
- Round or irregularly shaped
- Big or small
- Painful
- Tender
Sometimes, you’ll notice changes in your nipple as well. Your nipple might turn inward or leak clear or bloody fluid.
If you notice any changes in your breast, it’s important to call your doctor right away. They can help you figure out what is causing the lump and how to treat it.
How Often Are Lumps in Breast Cancerous?
Everyone’s breasts are different. Some are naturally lumpy or bumpy. You might be able to feel different textures from the fat, glands, and connective tissue in your breasts. Breast tissue changes throughout your life and is even sensitive to changing hormone levels during your menstrual cycle. In general, both breasts should feel the same. It’s important to be familiar with how your breasts feel so that you can notice changes. If you do find a lump or other change, talk to your doctor.
For 1 in 5 people, breast lumps are cancer. Still, remember that it’s more common for them to caused by other things, like:
Cysts. These are small, fluid-filled pockets. You’re more likely to get one if you haven’t gone through menopause.
Fibrocystic changes. You might get fluid-filled cysts or areas of rubbery (fibrous) tissue.
Fibroadenomas. These are a common type of noncancerous breast lump. They’re most likely to form in women and people assigned female at birth during their 20s and 30s.
Calcifications. These hard lumps are caused by a buildup of calcium. They might form after a breast reduction or tissue flap procedure.
Lipomas. These fatty lumps grow slowly beneath the surface of the skin.
Intraductal papillomas. These are wart-like growths that develop in the milk ducts. They usually form near the nipple and can cause the nipple to leak clear or bloody fluid. They’re more common in women and people assigned female at birth over 40 years old.
Infections. Breast infections can cause a hard lump. If the lump is filled with pus, it’s called an abscess.
Injuries. Sometimes lumps form in fatty breast tissues after injuries, including surgeries or biopsies.
Menstrual changes. Some lumps come and go during a young person’s menstrual cycle. These lumps might be tender, swollen, or painful right before your period.
Breastfeeding problems. If you notice a lump while breastfeeding, it could be a sign of engorgement or a clogged milk duct. If it doesn’t get better in a few days, call your doctor.
No matter what your lump looks or feels like, it’s important to talk with your doctor. They can identify the cause of the lump and how to treat it.
Types of breast cancer lumps
There’s more than one type of breast cancer lump. Some include:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ. This cancer is located in your milk ducts and hasn’t spread yet.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma. This is the most common type of invasive breast cancer. It starts in your milk ducts and has spread. It can cause a hard, irregularly-shaped lump.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma. This type of breast cancer starts in your breast lobe and has spread. Lumps can be firm or hard.
- Tubular carcinoma. This breast cancer causes tumors that are so small that you can’t feel them.
- Mucinous (colloid)This cancer causes soft or unnoticeable tumors.
- Carcinomas with medullary features. These can cause soft lumps.
- Invasive papillary carcinoma. This breast cancer causes a soft tumor.
- Phyllodes tumors. These affect your breast’s connective tissue.
- Inflammatory breast cancer. This aggressive cancer causes redness and swelling in your breasts.
Credit: webmd
