I feel a painful lump in my breast: what should I know?

Tenderness can accompany hormone-related breast changes, a fluid-filled cyst, blocked milk duct, inflammation, or an infection. A breast lump is a common presentation of breast cancer, although pain and tenderness do not establish that diagnosis and many breast lumps have other causes. A clinician will consider your age, cycle timing, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, medicines, and examination findings. Imaging may be recommended when the cause is not clear.

Make a clinical appointment for a new lump, even if the discomfort settles. Record its location, size as you perceive it, timing, and whether pain changes during your cycle. Wear a supportive bra and use a simple pain measure that is safe for you; ask a pharmacist or clinician if pregnancy, breastfeeding, ulcers, kidney problems, or other medicines affect your choices. Do not squeeze the lump or attempt to drain it.

Seek prompt care for fever, spreading redness, warmth, pus, rapid enlargement, severe pain, or feeling unwell. Arrange timely assessment for skin dimpling, nipple inversion, bloody discharge, or an armpit swelling. Urgent help is appropriate if symptoms become severe or you feel faint.

Could this be infection, a cyst, or another cause? Do I need imaging? What changes should I monitor? If treatment is prescribed, when should pain and swelling begin to improve?