A breast lump that is tender to touch

Pain with pressure can occur when breast tissue is swollen or irritated. Possible explanations include a fluid-filled cyst, hormonal breast changes, a minor injury, or inflammation related to breastfeeding. A warm, red, painful area with fever or chills can accompany mastitis, and a collection of pus can form an abscess. Breast cancer can also present as a lump, although tenderness alone cannot identify or exclude it.

Texture and pain are not reliable enough to diagnose a lump at home. A clinician may examine the breast and nearby lymph nodes, then decide whether imaging or another test is appropriate based on the finding and your circumstances.

Arrange a clinical appointment for a new or unexplained lump, even if it hurts. Until then, avoid repeatedly pressing or squeezing it. A supportive bra and a cool or warm compress may ease discomfort. If you are breastfeeding, continue feeding in a comfortable way and avoid deep, forceful massage, which can worsen tissue swelling.

Note when you first felt the lump, whether it changes with your menstrual cycle or feeds, and whether there is redness, discharge, fever, skin change, or recent injury. This gives the clinician useful context without delaying an examination.

Seek same-day medical advice if the breast becomes red, hot, rapidly more swollen, or severely painful, especially with fever, chills, weakness, or feeling very unwell. These features may need treatment for infection or assessment for an abscess.

Book an assessment without delay if the lump persists, enlarges, feels fixed, or comes with skin dimpling, a newly pulled-in nipple, bloody nipple discharge, or a lump in the armpit. These changes need evaluation; they do not establish a diagnosis by themselves.

Ask what the examination suggests, whether breast imaging is appropriate, and how you should monitor the area. If you are breastfeeding or have signs of infection, ask whether treatment is needed and which pain relief is suitable for you.