{"id":13735,"date":"2021-07-29T09:00:17","date_gmt":"2021-07-29T14:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=13735"},"modified":"2022-12-16T14:20:38","modified_gmt":"2022-12-16T20:20:38","slug":"found-a-breast-lump","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/found-a-breast-lump\/","title":{"rendered":"I found a breast lump. Should I worry?"},"content":{"rendered":"

An important aspect of breast health is knowing how your breasts feel and look. Part of that is being aware of any changes in your breasts that may be early signs of breast cancer, especially if you have a family history that might give you a higher risk for breast cancer.<\/p>\n

According to the American Cancer Society<\/a>, the most common breast cancer symptom is a lump or mass. A lump can be painless and hard with irregular edges or tender, soft or round.<\/p>\n

You shouldn\u2019t be worried about a breast lump. A vast majority of lumps prove to be harmless. But whenever a lump or mass is detected, it\u2019s essential to have it checked by a health care provider.<\/p>\n

A thorough exam<\/h2>\n

Peggy Rogers, APRN, who specializes in genetics and medical oncology at OSF HealthCare, provided the following insight regarding how to check for breast lumps and when to talk to your primary care provider.<\/p>\n

Q. Why are breast cancer self-exams important?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A. We advocate for a woman to perform a monthly self-exam<\/a> for breast cancer. Women should be familiar with how their breasts normally feel and then report any changes in appearance, skin changes or nipple discharge to a health care provider. The same holds true for men.<\/p>\n

Women should perform their breast self-exams a few days to about a week after their menstrual periods. Hormonal changes due to the menstrual cycle may cause temporary changes in the breasts, including lumps and swelling.<\/p>\n

Q. What does a lump<\/a> feel like? How does someone know they\u2019re feeling something of concern?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A. A breast cancer lump can feel like a marble. But it\u2019s not always about feeling a lump. It can be any change from your normal self-exam.<\/p>\n

Q. What about women with dense breasts<\/a> \u2013 will they be able to detect a lump? What may they feel that would concern them?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A. It can be difficult to distinguish between a new lump and fibrocystic changes in normal breast tissue.<\/p>\n

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Talk to your doctor<\/p>\n

> Make an appointment<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Dense breast tissue means there is more breast and connective tissue than fatty tissue. It can increase the chance that breast cancer may go undetected by a mammogram <\/a>because the amount of breast tissue can mask a change. In addition to having a 3D mammogram, or tomosynthesis, we can also add automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) to screening, which can be beneficial for breast density.<\/p>\n

ABUS exams provide a clearer image of breast tissue to find even the smallest cancers. When used in addition to 3D mammography, ABUS can improve breast cancer detection by 55% over mammography alone. With an order from a primary care provider, ABUS can be scheduled to be completed during the same setting as an annual mammogram.<\/p>\n

Q. When should you see a doctor?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A. You should have an annual breast exam by a physician or advanced practice provider. If you find something unusual in your normal self-breast exam, such as a new lump, nipple discharge or skin changes, report it to your primary care provider immediately.<\/p>\n

Q. If something suspicious is found, how is it verified?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A. If a woman is younger than 30, guidelines recommend an ultrasound<\/a>. If she\u2019s older than 30, she would need a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound. Both are painless and quick and can be done at the same appointment.<\/p>\n

Q. What about breast cancer in men? Is detecting a male breast lump any different for them?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A. Having a small amount of breast tissue does not mean there are no male breast cancers. Men can get breast cancer, although it\u2019s much less common. However, men with Klinefelter syndrome may be at higher risk for breast cancers. If they find a lump, or what is called a palpable mass, and they\u2019re over the age of 30, guidelines recommend they receive a diagnostic mammogram with ultrasound, just like for a woman.<\/p>\n

Q. Are there other conditions that can cause a breast lump?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A. For young women, it is common to have cysts in breasts or other benign conditions like fibro adenoma, which feels like a firm, smooth or rubbery lump, or a papilloma, a benign tumor. It doesn\u2019t mean you will develop breast cancer. It\u2019s also possible to have an infection in the breast. In any of these situations, they should see their health care provider.<\/p>\n

Q. What are some other possible symptoms<\/a> of breast cancer?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A. In addition to feeling or detecting a breast lump, a woman should see their health care provider if they experience any of the following:<\/p>\n