Suspicious Breast Lumps

What are breast lumps?

A breast lump is a mass or growth that develops in your breast. While a breast lump can be a sign of breast cancer, it’s usually benign (not cancerous). In fact, 8 out of 10 breast lumps are noncancerous. If you feel a lump in your breast or under your arm, try not to panic. A healthcare provider can figure out the cause of the breast lump and determine if you need tests or treatment.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel so you’re able to notice any changes.

What does a breast lump feel like?

A breast lump may feel as hard as a rock or squishy like a grape or pea. Breast lumps can occur in your breast tissue or close to your armpit area. The lump might feel hard or different from the rest of your breast tissue.

It’s also common to have a lump that feels:

• Bumpy.
• Smooth or spongey.
• Soft or squishy.
• Hard or firm.
• Moveable (you can push it around).
• Round or irregularly shaped.

Additionally, you may notice the lump feels painful or tender to touch. This isn’t necessarily a sign of a serious problem. The pain may come and go with your menstrual period.

A lump in your breast can be accompanied by nipple changes, such as your nipple turning inward or releasing a clear or bloody discharge.

Keep in mind that a lump in your breast when breastfeeding (chestfeeding) can be a symptom of engorgement or a clogged milk duct. You should contact your healthcare provider if this doesn’t go away within a few days.

What does a cancerous breast lump feel like?

Symptoms of cancerous breast lumps vary for everyone. Some of the things you should watch for include:

• A hard, “discrete” lump is the most common sign of breast cancer. The tissue feels very different than the surrounding breast tissue. Early on, it’s movable. It becomes less moveable later.
• Skin changes like dimpling, bulging, puckering or redness, particularly if you see it in a mirror with your arms raised overhead.
• Changes in the shape or size of your breast.
• Breast pain that’s localized to one spot.
• Changes to your nipple, like bloody discharge, an inverted nipple or scaliness/erosion of your nipple. If one nipple suddenly looks different than the other nipple, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Can men have breast lumps?

Yes. Men and people assigned male at birth can develop a condition called gynecomastia. It causes their breasts to become tender and may cause a rubbery breast lump to form under their nipple. This condition can be related to a hormonal imbalance or a side effect of medication, although most cases are “idiopathic,” meaning that providers don’t know what causes it.

Men can also develop breast cancer, so if you feel a lump in your breast, see a healthcare provider for an evaluation.

Where is breast cancer usually located?

Most breast cancers begin in your milk ducts or lobules, most often in the upper outer portions of your breast.

What is a red flag for breast cancer?

“Red flags” can vary for each person. Some red flags could include:

• A change in size, shape or texture of your breast.
• A mass or lump.
• Discharge from your nipple.
• Unusual redness on your nipple or skin of your breast.
• Localized pain.
• Nipple erosion or inversion.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Breast lumps can happen for many reasons. They’re common and aren’t usually cancerous. Try not to panic. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice a lump or other changes in your breast. They can determine a cause, order imaging tests and recommend treatment (if necessary). Performing breast self-examinations and being aware of changes in your breast (and body) are important to your health and wellness.