What should you know about lump in middle of breast?

The middle of the breast contains ducts, glandular tissue, fat, and connective tissue. Normal ridges may feel rope-like or change with the menstrual cycle. A cyst can feel smooth and rounded, while other benign lumps may feel firm and mobile. Pain, recent injury, breastfeeding, or infection can alter the texture as well.

Breast cancer can present as a lump, although the feel of a lump cannot diagnose its cause. A central location is not enough to decide whether a change is harmless or serious.

Check once when you are calm, using the flat pads of your fingers, and compare the surrounding tissue with the other breast. Record when it appeared, whether it changes with your cycle, and any nipple or skin symptoms. Avoid vigorous pressing, which can make normal tissue sore.

Arrange an appointment for a new lump that persists, grows, feels hard or fixed, or is different from the rest of the breast. The clinician may examine the area and recommend imaging or sampling based on your age, history, and examination.

Seek prompt care for redness, heat, fever, rapidly increasing swelling, or severe pain. Arrange timely assessment for dimpling, an inverted nipple, bloody discharge, a persistent central lump, or a clear change in breast shape. Seek urgent help for severe chest pain with breathlessness, faintness, or sweating.

Ask: Is this a discrete lump or normal tissue? Does its position relate to a duct or the chest wall? Which test would clarify it? How should I monitor it, and what change should bring me back sooner?