Breast Lump- Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & How to Identify it

A breast lump is defined by swelling or growth within the breast tissues. These lumps can result from breast cysts, infections, calcium deposits, and other conditions. Breast lumps can be hard, soft, smooth, or round. Usually, breast lumps and other abnormalities are associated with breast cancer, though the majority of breast lumps are not cancer.

Lump in the Breast

A lump in the breast can feel like a distinct mass that is solid and different from the surrounding breast tissues. These lumps can vary in size and can range from as small as a pea to larger than a golf ball. Breast lumps can also be a sign of breast cancer, though approximately 8 out of 10 breast lumps are non-cancerous. The majority of lumps are cysts (fluid-filled sacs) or fibroadenoma (non-cancerous growths caused by sensitivity to oestrogen).  

What does a Breast Lump feel like?

A breast lump is a growth under the skin and is usually felt rather than seen. On touch, a breast lump might feel like,

• A soft, smooth, and movable lump.
• A hard, irregular, and fixed lump.
• Tender & painful to touch, particularly before menstrual cycles. 

Additionally, a breast lump can have some visible signs, including

• Swelling in a particular area of the breast.
• Redness or warmth.
• Dimpling or puckering

The lumps might feel as hard as rock or squishy like a grape. The signs can be accompanied by nipple changes like inversion, discharge, or scaling of the nipple. 

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How to Identify Breast Lumps?

A breast examination helps identify breast lumps, the key lies in noticing any new, unusual or persistent change. There are certain things to look for when identifying any unusual breast lumps, including,

Changes in Texture:

Noticing changes in texture involves checking for lumpy, bumpy breast tissues or areas that feel different from surrounding tissues.

Skin Changes:

Identifying breast lumps also involves looking for changes in the skin, like dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin on the breast. 

Nipple Changes:

Lastly, self-exam the nipples, including checking for unusual discharge, change in size and shape.

There are several ways through which breast lumps can be self-examined, including,

Using Different Pressure: Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel for changes in different parts of the breast. 

Checking the Armpit: It is also crucial to check for lumps, swelling or abnormalities in the underarm area.

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Types of Breast Lumps

There are various types of breast lumps, which may be benign or cancerous. Though benign breast lumps are more common than cancerous breast lumps. 

Fibroadenomas:

These are the most common benign breast tumours often found in younger women in their 20s and 30s. Fibroadenomas (types, causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention) may feel rubbery to touch, move around freely and are usually painless.

Cysts:

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the breast tissue. Breast cysts are associated with hormonal fluctuations and are most common in women aged between 35 to 50.

Fat Necrosis:

Fat necrosis is a condition where the fat tissues die due to injury or lack of blood supply. A breast surgery or biopsy may also lead to the formation of this non-cancerous lump.

Lipoma:

Lipomas are fatty lumps that grow slowly and are soft to touch  and move around freely when touched. These lumps do not require treatment unless they cause any discomfort. 

Mastitis:

Mastitis is a condition caused by infection, causing inflammation of the breast tissues. Mastitis can cause symptoms like fever, chills, etc. 

Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer can also lead to lumps that are cancerous. This kind of lump is hard, irregular, and fixed. Such lumps may cause skin dimpling, nipple changes, or discharge. 

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Causes of Breast Lump

The are several causes, ranging from benign conditions to malignant factors, including,

Symptoms of Breast Lump

Some of the common symptoms include,

New Lump or Mass:

The most common sign is the formation of a new lump or mass that can be rubbery or hard.

Changes in Breast Size or Shape:

Changes in size and shape are another common sign of a developing breast lump.

Changes in Skin Texture:

Dimpling, pitting or redness of the skin can also be caused by breast lumps, though it commonly indicates breast cancer. 

Nipple Changes:

Inversion or unusual discharge from the nipple or other changes can also be a sign. 

Swelling in the Armpit:

Swelling or other noticeable changes can also be a sign. Commonly, it can be a sign of breast cancer. 

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Treatments for Breast Lumps

There are numerous reasons that can lead to the development of breast lumps. Also, breast lumps are one of the symptoms of breast cancer; thus, if there are any noticeable changes, contacting the healthcare provider is recommended. 

Benign breast lumps sometimes go away on their own, additionally, young people may experience lumps during their menstrual cycle, though these lumps go away by the end of the cycle. The initial appointment with the doctor might include,

Breast Exam:

The specialist might check the lumps and other unusual growth or changes.

Health History:

The doctor might inquire about symptoms, medical history, and family history.

Mammogram:

Imaging scan to have a detailed view of the breasts.

Post the physical exam and imaging tests, the doctor may recommend a viable treatment option. Some of the common treatment options include,

Medications:

The first-line treatment may involve using antibiotics for the treatment of breast lumps, usually caused by infections. 

Fluid Drainage:

Fluid drainage can help manage and treat breast cysts if they get large or painful.

Biopsy:

Biopsy can be further recommended to characterise a mass. 

Lumpectomy:

Surgical treatment method for removing the lump and surrounding breast tissues.

Mastectomy:

Mastectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the entire breast. This is usually the treatment method if the lump is cancerous and spreads.

Chemotherapy:

If the lump is detected to be cancerous, chemotherapy is used to destroy the cancer cells.

Hormonal Therapy:

Treatment involves targeting hormone receptors on cancer cells. Hormonal therapy is often recommended for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.

Other treatment options include radiation therapy, targeted therapy, surgery, etc.

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Breast Cancer Lumps

Breast cancer lumps are abnormal growths or masses that are cancerous and form in the breast tissue. A breast cancer lump is usually different from benign lumps; a cancerous breast lump might feel like,

• Hard and painless lump.
• Have irregular edges.
• Don’t move easily under the skin.

A lump caused by breast cancer can be accompanied by skin dimpling or puckering, unusual nipple discharge, nipple retraction, swelling in a part or whole of the breast, changes in breast size or shape, and more.

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When to Visit a Doctor?

Breast tissues are naturally lumpy, and if the lumpiness feels like the rest of the breast, there is no need to worry. Also, if the lumps develop during the menstrual cycle and go away by the end of the cycle, it can be natural. Contacting the healthcare provider is necessary if,

• A lump in the breast or lump feels harder than the rest of the breast.
• If there are changes like nipple inversion, dimpled skin or nipple discharge.
• Redness, pain or tenderness in the breast.

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FAQs

How to cure a breast lump naturally?

Certain types of breast lumps, particularly benign lumps, can sometimes go away on their own, though there’s no natural cure for breast lumps.

Does a lump in the breast mean cancer?

No, a breast lump is just not caused due to breast cancer; in fact, 80% of the breast lumps are caused by benign conditions.

Which doctor to consult for a breast lump?

A gynaecologist or breast specialist can be consulted for a breast lump.

Is a breast cancer lump painful?

Usually, breast cancer lumps are painless, though in some cases, breast cancer lumps can cause pain.

Does a painful lump in the breast mean cancer?

No, a lump in the breast does not always mean cancer. 80% of breast lumps are non-cancerous. 

Are lumps common in the breast?

Yes, lumps in the breast are common.