Breast Lumps Health Article

When You Find a Breast Lump

You may have just found a lump in your breast. Or your healthcare provider may have seen one on a mammogram (breast x-ray). If so, you are likely to have many questions and concerns. It's normal to worry. But the welcome news is that most breast lumps are not due to cancer, and they often need little or no treatment. Read on to help you learn more.

Learning About Breast Lumps

Many women have at least one breast lump in their lifetime. Most are caused by harmless (benign) changes in the breast. But sometimes a lump is cancerous (malignant). When this is the case, finding and treating it early gives you the best chance for a healthy future.

Finding the Cause

After a lump is found, your doctor may suggest having certain tests. These can reveal more about the lump you have. Tests can also be used to screen for other breast changes.

Treatment Options

You and your doctor will decide on the treatment that is best for you. Many benign lumps need no care at all. If a lump is malignant, more options exist than ever before. Any treatment you choose will be tailored to your needs.

Understanding the Breast

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. But all women have the same basic breast features. Learning about these features can help you understand breast changes when they occur.

Your Breasts Do Change

Your breasts are constantly changing. Sometimes they may seem larger, more tender, or more lumpy. At other times, they may feel firmer or smoother. Normal shifts in female hormones cause most of these changes. But you always have the same basic breast features.

Normal Breast Changes

Because the breasts contain fatty tissue, their size changes when you gain or lose weight. Other normal breast changes occur at different stages of life.

Puberty

Your breasts start growing before you get your first period. Both breasts may not grow at the same rate. But they become more even in size over time. If your breasts are not exactly alike, don't worry. It's normal for them to be a little uneven.

Menstrual Cycle

Your breasts may swell before and during your period. They might also feel more tender, sore, or lumpy. After your period, the soreness and swelling often go away. Birth control pills can make your breasts firmer, more tender, and slightly larger.

Pregnancy

The lobules enlarge as your breasts prepare to produce milk. This makes your breasts bigger. Your breasts are also likely to be tender and the areola may be darker. When you stop breastfeeding, or if you don't breastfeed, your breasts slowly return to normal.

Menopause

As you get older, your breasts may be less firm. They also may not seem as lumpy, sore, or swollen. These changes are less likely to occur if you use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Instead, your breasts may feel the way they did before menopause.

Checking Your Breasts at Home

Your breasts change throughout your life. But monthly breast self-exams can help you learn what is normal for you. That way, you are more likely to notice any unusual changes. Try to check your breasts 1 week after your period each month. If you don't have periods, aim for the first of each month.

Look for Changes

Look in the mirror with your hands at your sides. Then raise your arms. Do you see any flattening, bulging, or puckering on your breasts?

Raise your arms, then put your hands on your hips. Look for changes in your breast movement or shape as you move your arms.

Feel for Changes

Lie on your side with a pillow under your right shoulder. Put your right arm above your head. (You can also do this exam in the shower with soapy hands.)

• Feel your right breast with your left hand.

• Use an up-and-down or circular pattern. Use the same pattern each month.

• Use the pads of your three middle fingers.

• Feel for a lump or thickening.

• Repeat on your left side.

Gently squeeze your nipples to check for hardness or other changes. See your healthcare provider if you notice a rash or bloody discharge.

Use just the pads of your three middle fingers. Move over the breast in small circles (the size of a dime).

Your Medical Evaluation

If you notice a new breast change or a lump, have it checked by your healthcare provider. Your health history, a physical exam, and certain tests can help find the cause.

History and Physical Exam

Your healthcare provider will want to know when you found the lump and whether it has changed. You also may be asked about your periods, and any pregnancies or prior breast problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you're using birth control pills or HRT. During your visit, your healthcare provider will check your overall health as well as your breasts. He or she will perform a clinical breast exam, using gentle pressure to feel your breast tissue for lumps and other changes.

Common Tests

Diagnostic tests can provide more information about a change in your breast. You may have one or both of the following tests.

• Mammogram. This is an x-ray of your breasts using a low dose of radiation. It may be used to check a lump or some other breast change. Mammograms are also used to screen (regularly check for problems) women who have no symptoms.

• Breast ultrasound. This test uses painless sound waves to produce a picture of your breast. It can help determine whether a lump is solid or filled with fluid.