Finding a breast lump can be a traumatic and frightening experience for a woman. However, nearly 85 percent of breast lumps are benign. This does not mean that a lump can be ignored, as only a physician can determine if it is benign. Mayo Clinic physicians can determine if a lump is benign and are also available to provide a second opinion.
At Mayo Clinic, a team of professionals work together to diagnose the cause of suspicious breast lumps and provide comprehensive care. Depending on a women's needs, her health care team may include medical oncologists (cancer specialists), radiation oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, advanced registered nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, and clinical research coordinators. Mayo's innovative treatment strategies and supportive care make treatment as effective and comfortable as possible.
Mayo Clinic physicians use a variety of imaging techniques and procedures to determine the type of breast lump and how a woman can be treated most appropriately. Read more about diagnosis.
Besides conventional treatment, patients at Mayo Clinic have access to novel approaches to therapy as part of clinical trials. Prevention and genetic counseling services are available to patients at high risk of developing breast cancer. A commitment to advancing the understanding of breast cancer through teatment, education and research was a founding principle of Mayo Clinic. Physicians today continue that tradition. Read more about breast lump treatment options.