Painful Lump Between the Breasts and Sternum

A bump in the midline may be a blocked skin gland, inflamed hair follicle, cyst, irritated cartilage, or the normal shape of the breastbone becoming more noticeable. Pressure from clothing, friction, or muscle strain can make nearby tissue sore. If the lump is within breast tissue, breast conditions also need consideration. Breast cancer can present with a breast lump, but a painful central lump does not by itself establish that diagnosis. The exact position, depth, mobility, skin appearance, and duration guide assessment.

Note whether the lump is on the skin, directly over the sternum, or within breast tissue, and whether it changes with movement or pressure. Avoid squeezing or repeatedly rubbing it. Arrange an examination if it lasts, grows, becomes harder, or is not clearly explained by an injury. Take note of nipple or skin changes and any breast lump elsewhere so you can describe them accurately.

Seek prompt assessment for a rapidly enlarging lump, redness with fever, pus, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, bloody discharge, or a hard fixed mass. Get urgent help for severe chest pain, breathlessness, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. These symptoms require assessment of the chest as well as the lump.

Ask which structure the lump seems to arise from, whether imaging is needed, and what changes should prompt an earlier review. Mention injury, exercise, friction, fever, skin changes, nipple symptoms, and how the lump has changed.