You Found a Lump, Now What?
For years now, it has been ingrained in us as women to check ourselves and to be vigilant about self-exams. It became known that it is scary to find a lump in the breast. Is this fear rational? What does it mean to find a lump? What are the next steps? Feeling a lump during a breast self exam doesn’t have to cause panic, the good news is most lumps are not breast cancer and are likely something less serious, such as a benign breast condition. It is still necessary to follow-up with your doctor and take the steps recommended to you.
The 101 on Breast Lumps
A lot of women simply have breasts with a naturally “lumpy” texture. If the lumps can be felt throughout your breast and each breast feels similar you are most likely just feeling normal breast tissue.
Lumps that feel harder or different from the rest of the breast (or the other breast) or a change in the feel of the breast are a cause for concern and need to be checked by a trusted health care provider. This could be a sign of cancer, but could also be a benign condition such as a cyst.
Three Reasons to see a Doctor:
If you find a new lump or change that feels different from the rest of your breast
If you find a new lump or change that feels different from your other breast
Feel something new or different than you have felt before.
If you are not sure whether or not to be checked out it is always better to be safe than sorry. There is nothing wrong with feeling comfortable and gaining reassurance when you are unsure.
Other Breast Changes and are they a Concern?
Nipple Discharge can be alarming, but luckily is rarely a sign of breast cancer. Discharge is a natural reaction of your body when the nipple is squeezed. Signs the discharge can be symptoms of a more serious condition include discharge that; occurs without squeezing the nipple, occurs in one breast only, or is bloody are clear instead of milky.
Should you see a doctor? Yes, discharge can also be caused by other conditions needing treatment.
Other Reasons to seek Medical Attention:
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
I specialize in helping women through one of the most difficult diagnoses that a woman can be given. I take great pride in my knowledge and expertise in this field. Please reach out if you ever have any questions or concerns concerning your breast health.