What should you know about a hard lump in your breast?

Lumps may arise from fluid-filled cysts, fibroadenomas, dense breast tissue, inflammation, or other changes. A breast lump is a common presentation of breast cancer, although many breast lumps are benign. A clinician will consider whether the area is tender, mobile, smooth, or attached to deeper tissue, alongside your age, hormonal stage, and history. None of these features alone can confirm the cause. Changes in the skin, nipple, or armpit can help guide the assessment.

Book a medical appointment for a new lump, especially if it does not settle. Before attending, record when it appeared and whether it changes during your cycle. Tell the clinician about breastfeeding, pregnancy, trauma, infection symptoms, hormone treatment, and previous breast problems. The assessment may include a breast and armpit examination, followed by ultrasound or mammography when appropriate. If an area remains unclear, a needle sample may be discussed. Avoid trying to squeeze or drain the lump yourself.

Get prompt advice for a lump with redness, warmth, fever, or worsening pain. Seek timely assessment if it persists, grows, feels fixed, causes skin puckering, changes the nipple, produces spontaneous or bloody discharge, or occurs with an armpit swelling. These findings require evaluation; they do not by themselves establish a cancer diagnosis.

Ask what the clinician felt, whether imaging is needed, and what result would lead to further testing. Ask how to monitor the area without irritating it and exactly when to return if it changes or does not resolve.