How Can a Lump in the Breast Be Detected?

A lump in the breast refers to any swelling, bulging, hardness, or bump that feels different from the other parts of the breast or the same area in the other breast. There are various causes of lumps in the breast. Most lumps are not cancerous and do not pose any risk for cancer.

What Are the Causes of Lumps in the Breast?

The causes of lumps in the breast can include infection, trauma, fibroadenoma, breast cysts, fat necrosis, or fibrocystic disease. A lump in the breast can occur in both men and women, but it is much more common in women. Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous tumors that commonly develop in women under the age of 30 in breast tissue. A breast cyst is a mass made up of non-cancerous, fluid-filled sacs.

The formation of cysts in the breast, often accompanied by pain and discomfort before menstruation, is known as fibrocystic disease. This condition is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts in the breasts. It occurs in approximately 30% of women who have not yet entered menopause. While the exact cause of the disease is unknown, there is evidence suggesting it is linked to elevated estrogen levels in the body. Lumps in the breast can either be benign or may indicate a sign of breast cancer. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the signs of breast cancer and seek immediate consultation with a general surgery clinic if any differences or abnormalities are felt in the breast.

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

• A lump in the right or left breast. A painless, hard lump that may grow over time.
• Changes in the size and shape of the breast.
• Bruising, redness, expanded veins, or dimpling on the breast.
• Changes in color around the nipple, alterations in the shape of the nipple.
• Discharge or bleeding from the nipple.
• Painful or painless swelling under the arm (axillary area).
• Hardness in the underarm or breast.

How Can a Lump in the Breast Be Detected?

Self-breast examination, doctor examination, ultrasound, and mammography are methods used to detect lumps. If you want to perform a regular self-breast examination, you can consult your doctor for guidance on how to do it. Since changes in breast tissue can occur during the menstrual period, the examination should be done a few days after this period.

For a self-breast examination, apply light pressure to check for lumps near the surface. For deeper structures, you may need to apply slightly more pressure. If you suspect an abnormal structure, you should consult a doctor. Your doctor will conduct a detailed physical examination and, if necessary, perform ultrasound or mammography to investigate the presence of any lumps. If a lump is detected during the examination, a biopsy may be required, where a sample is taken from the affected tissue for pathology testing to check for breast cancer.