Does hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cause a breast lump?

Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer grows in response to oestrogen, progesterone, or signals from both hormones. A lump may feel firm, distinct, or fixed, although its texture alone cannot identify its cause. Breast tissue can also change with cysts, fibroadenoma, infection, hormonal cycling, or injury. A lump is a finding to investigate, not a diagnosis.

Arrange an appointment for a new, persistent, or changing lump. A clinician may examine the breast and nearby lymph nodes, then choose imaging such as ultrasound or mammography based on your age, symptoms, and examination. A biopsy is the test that can identify cancer and its receptor status when imaging cannot settle the question. Note when you first noticed the change and whether it varies with your menstrual cycle.

Seek prompt medical advice for a lump with skin dimpling, nipple inversion, bloody discharge, redness, swelling, or a change in breast shape. Get urgent help for severe pain with fever or rapidly spreading redness, which can indicate an infection needing treatment.

Ask which examination or scan is appropriate, whether the change needs follow-up, and what would make a biopsy useful. You can also ask how receptor testing affects treatment if cancer is diagnosed.