Most lumps aren't cancer
It's reassuring to know that most breast lumps are not cancer — especially in younger women. Common benign causes include hormonal changes through the menstrual cycle, fluid-filled cysts, and smooth, mobile lumps called fibroadenomas. Breast tissue can also normally feel lumpy or 'ropey', particularly before a period.
So finding a lump is understandably frightening, but the odds are in your favour. The important thing is not to ignore it.
What different lumps can feel like
Benign lumps like cysts and fibroadenomas often feel smooth, round and moveable, and may change with your cycle. Features that warrant prompter attention include a hard lump, a lump that feels fixed or irregular, one that doesn't move, or a lump that persists after your period. But feel alone can't diagnose the cause — imaging and sometimes a biopsy are what give a definite answer.
This is exactly why the advice is always to get a new lump checked rather than trying to judge it yourself.
When to see a doctor
See a GP promptly for any new breast lump, a lump that's growing or changing, skin changes (dimpling, puckering or redness), nipple changes (a newly pulled-in nipple, or bloody discharge), or a lump in the armpit. These don't mean you have cancer, but they need checking. Your GP may arrange an ultrasound or mammogram and, if needed, refer you.
Getting checked early gives peace of mind in most cases, and the best outcomes in the small number where something is found. A telehealth consult can start the process and arrange the right imaging.
References & sources
- 1.Breast health — Jean Hailes for Women's Health
- 2.Breast checks to detect breast cancer — healthdirect
- 3.Breast cancer — healthdirect
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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