First, don’t panic!
It’s the natural response to worry if you feel something different in your breast, but do remember that it is very common for women of all ages to find lumps and bumps in their breasts.
It is good that you were checking but always get checked by your GP (General Practitioner) as soon as possible. Do not wait to see if it will go away on its own.
The majority of breast lumps will be benign.
Some, like fibroadenomas, are harmless clumps of breast tissue. Some, like cysts, are related to hormones and can appear during a woman’s menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, or when she’s breastfeeding.
However, a lump in your breast or armpit or unusual changes in your breasts such as the nipple turning inwards, dimpled skin or bloodstained nipple discharge can be a sign of breast cancer. This is easier to treat if it is found early.
During the consultation, you should be prepared to give your GP some additional details including:
- When and how you found the lump.
- If you’ve noticed any increase in size of the mass or breast from the time the lump was noticed.
- If you’ve noticed any new nipple discharge (fluid), or nipple inversion (pointing inward instead of sticking out).
- If you’ve noticed any new skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling (like the texture of an orange) or puckering of the skin with or without an associated rash.
- If you have ever had an injury to your breast.
- What hormones, medications, or supplements you take.
- Your family’s history of breast cancer or other cancers.
Your GP will perform a thorough physical examination which will include examination of both breasts, the chest wall, under the collar bone and under the armpit as well as a general examination.
Breast Imaging
Based on your physical exam, age and your risk of breast cancer, your GP will determine which type of breast imaging may be appropriate for you.
If you are over 40 years, screening will start with a mammogram but if this is inconclusive, you will be called back for more imaging. This happens quite often and is not necessarily an indication that cancer is present. If you have dense breasts or a more detailed look is required, a breast ultrasound scan or MRI may be requested.
Mammograms are also less effective for screening younger women because their breast tissue tends to be denser and this makes it difficult to see breast tissue on a mammogram.
Biopsy
Often, doctors (the radiologists) can tell from the mammogram or ultrasound scan that a breast lump appears benign, however there are times when a biopsy may be needed to confirm that a lump is benign. A biopsy is usually performed by a radiologist who will insert a needle into the breast under ultrasound guidance, to take a small sample of the lump. You will be awake for this procedure and given medications to decrease the discomfort.
Self-Breast Examination
It is recommended that women check their breasts monthly for any breast changes. Decide on a date that is easy to remember like the first of every month or just after your menstrual cycle when your breasts are less tender or lumpy. This is important so that you know how your breasts look and feel normally so that any changes can be easily detected. These self-exams should not replace routine breast cancer screening with a health care professional.
Do not try to self-diagnose the cause of your lump – always see a GP.
References