A breast lump is a growth that forms within the breast. Different types of breast lumps can vary in the way they look and feel.
You might notice:
- A distinct lump with clear-cut edges.
- A firm or hard area within the breast.
- A thicker, slightly raised area in the breast that's different from the tissue around it.
You also might see these changes along with a lump:
- An area of skin that has changed in color or turned red or pink.
- Dimpling of the skin.
- Pitting of the skin, which may look like an orange peel in texture.
- A change in the size of one breast that makes it larger than the other breast.
- Nipple changes, such as a nipple that turns inward or releases fluid.
- Lasting breast pain or tenderness, which is in one area or may go on after your period.
A breast lump can be a sign of breast cancer. That's why you should get it checked by your health care provider as soon as you can. It's even more important to get a breast lump checked after menopause. The upside is that most breast lumps are benign. That means they are not caused by cancer.
Make an appointment to have a breast lump checked, especially if:
- The lump is new and feels firm or fixed.
- The lump doesn't go away after 4 to 6 weeks. Or it has changed in size or in how it feels.
- You notice skin changes on your breast such as crusting, dimpling, puckering, or a change in color, including red and pink.
- Fluid comes out of the nipple. It might be bloody.
- The nipple recently turned inward.
- There is a new lump in the armpit, or a lump in the armpit seems to be getting bigger.
Show References
- Sabel MS. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of a palpable breast mass. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 21, 2022.
- Slater T, et al. Breast lumps. In: Pocketbook of Differential Diagnosis. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 21, 2022.
- Gilmore R, et al. Management of benign breast disease. In: Current Surgical Therapy. 13th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 21, 2022.
- AskMayoExpert. Breast masses in adolescent females. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- Lester, C. The breast. In: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 10th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 21, 2022.
- Breast changes and conditions. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/breast-changes. Accessed Nov. 22, 2022.
- Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Nov. 23, 2022.
- Inflammatory breast cancer. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/ibc-fact-sheet. Accessed Nov. 23, 2022.
- What are the symptoms of breast cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/symptoms.htm. Accessed Nov. 23, 2022.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/breast-lumps/basics/definition/SYM-20050619