When to see a doctor

By Mayo Clinic Staff

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.

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March 01, 2023

See also

  2. Breast cancer
  3. Breast cancer chemoprevention
  4. Breast Cancer Education Tool
  5. Breast cancer staging
  6. Breast cancer types
  7. Breast cysts
  8. Breast pain
  9. Common questions about breast cancer treatment
  10. Dragon Boats and Breast Cancer
  11. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
  12. Fibrocystic breasts
  13. Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
  14. Genetic testing for breast cancer: Psychological and social impact
  15. HER2-positive breast cancer: What is it?
  16. Infographic: Breast Cancer Risk
  17. Male breast cancer
  18. Mammary duct ectasia
  19. Mammogram guidelines: What are they?
  20. Paget's disease of the breast
  21. Pink Sisters
  22. Recurrent breast cancer
  23. The Long Race Beating Cancer
  24. Weight Loss After Breast Cancer
  25. What is breast cancer? An expert explains