If you find a lump in the breast, don't panic. It's normal to feel anxious, but you should remember that most breast lumps are benign and not cancerous. However, if you are in doubt, you should contact your doctor to have the lump checked (in the case of a cancerous lump, early detection and treatment is very important). The important thing is to know how to identify lumps in the breast so you don't miss things you should be aware of.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Self-identifying Breast Lumps and Abnormalities
Step 1. Perform monthly breast self-exams to identify lumps
Most lumps are discovered by women by accident (in fact, 40% of breast cancers are discovered by women who report a lump to their doctor).
- Start by standing in front of a mirror to observe your breasts. Place your hands on your waist (because it can optimize the position of your breasts so you can observe and compare). Things that must be considered include: the size, shape, and color of the two breasts are normally the same, there is no swelling, no changes in the skin, no discharge from the nipples, no changes in the condition of the nipples, and no redness or pain..
- The next step in breast examination is to raise the arms above the head, and check the things mentioned above. Changing the position of the arms will change the position of your breasts, and is another way to identify differences between the two.
- Subsequent breast examinations are performed in a lying position. Raise your right arm above your head. Press the right breast with your left hand. Move your finger in a circle around the nipple, surrounding tissue, and armpit. Be sure to examine the entire surface of the breast, from the shoulder blades to the base of the ribs, and from the armpits to the sternum. Lift your left arm and repeat the steps on the left breast, surrounding tissue, and armpit with your right hand.
- You can also examine your breasts in the bathroom. You may even be able to feel your breasts more easily with a wet, foaming finger, as they move more smoothly over the surface of the breast tissue.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor if you notice new lumps (most are pea-sized) or hard breast tissue
If you do find it, don't be sad, it's most likely not cancer--8 out of 10 lumps in the breast are not cancer. Benign tumors are usually caused by cysts, fibroadenomas, or simply fibrocystic breasts.
- The appearance of a lump in the breast for a while is not uncommon; In most cases, these lumps are related to the menstrual cycle (they are called physiological lumps and they come and go every month according to your menstrual cycle).
- To distinguish between a physiological lump (which is related to the menstrual cycle) and a dangerous lump, observe whether it increases in size and decreases again in one month, and whether this pattern repeats every month according to your menstrual cycle. If this is not the case, or if the lump continues to grow, it is best to seek advice from your doctor.
- The best time to self-examine your breasts is 1 week before your period starts (because at that time, the chances of a lump due to the menstrual cycle to appear are the least). If you have gone through menopause or your menstrual cycle is irregular, observe your breasts monthly on the same day for consistent results.
Step 3. Pay close attention to breast lumps that suddenly enlarge or change in size
Breast tissue in most women changes (that's the nature of breasts), but if over time it changes in size (or enlarges), it can be dangerous. Plus, you're also observing one breast and comparing it to the other--if they both feel the same, that's fine. But if one breast has a lump, while the other doesn't, you should pay attention to it.
Step 4. Watch out for other dangerous symptoms
These symptoms may accompany a lump in the breast. If the following symptoms accompany a lump in the breast, you should be aware of it, and you should immediately consult a doctor.
- The presence of blood or pus coming out of the nipple.
- A red or pink rash near or around the nipple.
- There is a change in the shape of the nipple, especially if it is inverted.
- Observe the skin of the breast. If it is thickened, scaly, dry, indented, pink or reddish in color, talk to your doctor.
Method 2 of 2: Seeking Help and Medical Examination from a Doctor
Step 1. Call your family doctor if you're not sure if your breast lump is dangerous
Making sure everything is okay is the best step, or having a series of examinations and tests as soon as possible if the doctor also states that there is a possibility that the lump is dangerous.
- Medical practitioners are well trained to examine and evaluate breast lumps, and in particular, how to confirm breast cancer. If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask your doctor for advice and opinion.
- Breast cancer is one thing that many women should be aware of (it is the most diagnosed cancer in women). One in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. So, if you are in doubt, immediately get your breast lump checked by a doctor. Most breast lumps are benign (harmless) tumors and many breast cancer diagnoses can be treated if found early.
Step 2. Schedule a mammography examination
Have this checkup annually, or as directed by your doctor. Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination to look for abnormal breast tissue.
- Mammogram is the main examination to check for and diagnose breast cancer. This examination can be used as a preliminary test (routine breast examination for women over 40 years of age even without symptoms or lumps), as well as a diagnostic test (for women who have a breast lump to gather additional information and determine the degree of malignancy of the lump).
- People who undergo mammography for diagnostic purposes (to determine whether the lump is dangerous) may also need to undergo other tests to obtain more complete information, so that the doctor can determine if your breast lump is a concern.
Step 3. Continue with a breast ultrasound to check for further lumps if your doctor recommends it
Ultrasound provides a different perspective than mammography, and can differentiate between solid masses and cysts (cystic masses are generally fluid-filled, and are harmless; or in other words, not cancer).
Ultrasound can also provide additional information to determine if a biopsy (removal of breast tissue with a needle for examination by a doctor under a microscope) is necessary
Step 4. Ask the doctor to do a breast lump biopsy if the results of other tests can not determine the presence / absence of breast cancer
In this examination, a sample of breast tissue is examined under a microscope, which can give a definite answer as to whether the lump is benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous).
- If the lump is diagnosed as breast cancer, you will be referred to a cancer specialist and possibly a surgeon for hormonal treatment, chemotherapy, or surgery, depending on the severity.
- Again, you should know that most breast lumps are NOT cancer. However, it is best to visit a doctor and undergo the recommended examinations to check all the possibilities, and to get treatment as soon as possible (which will give you the best results) if you are diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Occasionally, an MRI of the breast or a ductogram will be used as a diagnostic test by the doctor, although less often than a mammogram, ultrasound, and breast biopsy.
Step 5. Follow your doctor's advice
Often, once a breast lump is declared harmless, your doctor will ask you to continue to observe it and report back if there are any obvious changes or growths. Most of the time, nothing will happen, but you should be careful rather than sorry, and keep an eye on any lumps or differences in the texture of the breasts to watch for any changes or worsening of the condition over time (at some point, a follow-up to a doctor is recommended).
Tips
- There are many benign tumors that can cause lumps. This condition does not trigger breast cancer. Most breast lumps are harmless (but getting it checked out right away is the best option if you're in doubt, to make sure it's not something dangerous).
- Remember that there are many factors that affect changes in breast tissue. This includes the woman's age, menstrual cycle, hormones, and medications used. This is why it is so important to do a breast self-examination at the same time each month, generally one week before the start of your period, to reduce the influence of other things that can cause a temporary breast lump (most commonly associated with the menstrual cycle and called a physiological lump).
- Breast cancer is rare in young women, so doctors often wait for a lump or other change in a young woman's breast. However, in the same way, it's better to be careful rather than sorry, and to visit your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns. At the very least, that way, you can get a good night's sleep after getting reassurance (and/or undergoing the necessary examinations) from your doctor.
