A breast lump is a growth of tissue that develops within your breast. It may be described as a mass, growth, swelling, thickness or fullness.

A breast lump can vary in the way it looks and feels. If you have a breast lump, you may notice:

• A distinct lump with definite borders
• A thickened, slightly more prominent area in your breast that's different from surrounding breast tissue
• Other breast changes, such as redness, dimpling or pitting of the skin
• One breast that's noticeably larger than the other (breast asymmetry)
• Nipple changes, such as a nipple that's pulled inward (nipple inversion) or spontaneous fluid discharge from your nipple
• Breast pain or tenderness

Sometimes, a breast lump is a sign of breast cancer. That's why you should seek prompt medical evaluation. Fortunately, however, most breast lumps result from noncancerous (benign) conditions.

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Oct. 30, 2012