Finding a breast lump can be really scary. When people find a lump they often think, “Do I have breast cancer?” This is a thing to think but it is good to know that not every breast lump is cancer. In fact many breast lumps are caused by things that not harmful, like cysts or hormonal changes.
Understanding what can cause a breast lump and knowing what to look for can help you make choices about your health. If you find a lump when you are checking yourself or if a doctor finds one during a check you should see a breast cancer specialist as soon as you can. This is true for people in Delhi, Delhi NCR and India. It is true for people of all ages. Checking a lump early can be reassuring if it is not cancer and it can help you get treated away if it is.
What is a Breast Lump?
A breast lump is an area of tissue that feels different from the rest of your breast. It might feel soft, firm or hard. Some lumps can be moved around. Others stay in one place. You can get a lump in one breast. Both and it might hurt or it might not.
Even though breast lumps are more common in women men can get them too. They should not ignore them. Many breast lumps are not cancer. The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor.
Is Every Breast Lump Cancer?
No it is not. Many breast lumps are not cancer. Women often get breast conditions because of hormonal changes or normal changes in their breast tissue.
Some common types of non-cancerous breast lumps include fibroadenomas, which are usually smooth and can be moved around. Breast cysts are like sacs that fill with fluid. Can get tender during your period. Changes in your breast tissue can make your breasts feel lumpy or like they have ropes in them. This is often because of hormonal changes. Infections, abscesses and other things can also cause breast lumps.
Even though these things are usually not harmful they can look like breast cancer. That is why you should always have a breast lump checked by a doctor.
What Causes Breast Lumps?
There are things that can cause a breast lump. Hormonal changes during your period when you are pregnant or when you are going through menopause can affect your breast tissue. Cause lumps. Benign tumors like fibroadenomas can also cause lumps, in younger women. Breast cysts can form when fluid builds up in your breast tissue.
Infections can cause lumps and injuries to your breast can cause fat to die and form a hard lump. Breast cancer happens when abnormal cells grow out of control in your breast tissue. Cancerous lumps are often hard. Do not hurt, but sometimes they can.
Because the symptoms of these things can be similar you should not try to diagnose yourself.
Signs You Should See a Doctor Right Away
Not every breast lump is dangerous. Some symptoms need to be checked right away.
See a doctor if:
- You have a lump that does not go away after your period.
- The lump gets bigger.
- Your skin is dimpling, getting thicker or turning red.
- Your nipple is changing.
- You have lymph nodes under your arm or near your collarbone.
If you have any of these symptoms you should make an appointment with a breast cancer specialist soon as you can.
How Doctors Diagnose a Breast Lump
To diagnose a breast lump doctors follow a steps. First they ask you questions about your history and do a physical exam. They want to know when the lump showed up if it has changed and if you have any symptoms.
Then they do imaging tests to figure out what the lump is. Younger women often get an ultrasound because their breast tissue is denser. Women over 40 usually get a mammogram, which can find problems that not easy to feel. Sometimes doctors recommend an MRI for a look.
If the imaging tests show something that might be cancer doctors do a biopsy. This is when they take a sample of tissue and look at it under a microscope. A biopsy is the way to know for sure if you have breast cancer.
Do All Breast Lumps Need Surgery?
No they do not. If a lump is small and not causing any problems you might just need to get it checked every now and then. Some cysts can be drained with a needle if they are uncomfortable.
Fibroadenomas usually do not need to be removed unless they get bigger, hurt or cause problems with how your breast looks. If you have cancer your treatment will depend on the type of cancer how far it has spread and your overall health.
You might need surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or other treatments. Every treatment plan is different. It is made just for you.
Can You Prevent Breast Cancer?
You cannot always prevent breast cancer. There are things you can do to lower your risk. Eating healthy exercising, not drinking much not smoking and breastfeeding can help.
You should also get to know what your breasts normally look and feel like so you can notice any changes. Getting mammograms regularly is important especially if you are over 40 or if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
When Should You See a Breast Cancer Specialist?
You should see a specialist if you find a lump that does not go away if a lump gets bigger or if you notice any changes in your breast. If you have pain that does not go away or if you have discharge or swelling you should see a doctor.
Even if the lump is not cancer seeing a doctor can give you peace of mind and make sure you do not miss anything. The sooner you see a doctor, the better.
FAQ
Can a painful breast lump be cancer?
painful lumps are not cancer but sometimes cancer can hurt. You should always have a lump checked by a doctor.
Are breast lumps common in women?
Yes they are. Young women often get fibroadenomas and cysts which usually not cancer.. You should always have a new lump checked.
Can breast cancer happen without hurting?
Yes it can. Many breast cancers do not hurt at first. That is why you should not ignore a lump just because it does not hurt.
How soon should you see a doctor after finding a lump?
You should see a doctor soon as you can ideally within a few days. This can help you find out what the lump is and get treated if you need to.
Is a mammogram to diagnose breast cancer?
No it is not. A mammogram can show if something might be wrong. You need a biopsy to know for sure if it is cancer.
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes they can. Men can get breast cancer. They should see a doctor if they find a lump or have any other symptoms.
Dr. Deepika Chauhan
If you have found a breast lump or are worried about your breasts you should see Dr. Deepika Chauhan. Dr. Chauhan is an Oncologist With a Lot of Experience in treating breast cancer. Dr. Chauhan will take care of you. Make a treatment plan that is just for you.
Conclusion
Finding a breast lump can be scary. It is good to know that not every lump is cancer. Many lumps are harmless. Can be treated without surgery.. You Need to See a Doctor to know for sure what the lump is.
If you ignore a lump or wait long to see a doctor you might not get diagnosed or treated as soon as you should. That is why it is so important to see a doctor if you find a lump or have any symptoms. Early diagnosis can make a difference, in how well you do.
