Lump on the Chest Between the Breasts

A surface bump with a visible pore may be a blocked skin gland or an inflamed cyst. A deeper area may involve soft tissue, the inner edge of a breast, cartilage, or the breastbone. A breast lump is a common presentation of breast cancer, but a central chest lump is not automatically a breast problem or a cancer diagnosis.

Notice whether the bump is in the skin or deeper, moves with the skin, changes with arm movement, or is tender when you breathe or press the breastbone. Do not squeeze a red or draining area.

Use a mirror to note redness, swelling, drainage, or a skin opening, then leave the area alone. Record when it appeared and whether it is growing. Arrange an examination if it persists, enlarges, feels deep or fixed, or cannot be clearly linked to a minor skin irritation.

Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, or feeling unwell. Arrange timely review for a firm fixed mass, breast skin dimpling, nipple change, bloody discharge, or a lump that is increasing. Get urgent help for chest pressure, trouble breathing, faintness, or severe sudden chest pain.

Ask which tissue the lump appears to involve and whether it needs imaging or skin treatment. Ask how to protect the area, what changes matter, and when follow-up should occur if it does not settle.