I Found a Breast Lump. What Should I Do Now?

Discovering a lump in your breast can be a frightening and anxious experience. The most important thing to remember is not to panic. The vast majority of breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous). However, it is absolutely essential that any new lump or change in your breast tissue is evaluated by a medical professional promptly.

Step 1: Acknowledge and Observe

Once you notice a lump, take note of its characteristics. Is it hard or soft? Does it move under the skin? Is there any associated pain, skin change (like dimpling or redness), or nipple discharge? This information, while not diagnostic on its own, can be helpful when you speak with your doctor.

Step 2: Schedule a Clinical Consultation in Cape Town

Your next and most critical step is to schedule an appointment with your GP or directly with a specialist surgeon like Dr. Loots. A clinical breast examination is the cornerstone of diagnosis. During this consultation at her Cape Town practice, Dr. Loots will:

• Listen to your concerns and take a detailed medical history.
• Perform a thorough physical examination of both breasts and surrounding areas.
• Discuss the potential causes of the lump, which can range from harmless cysts and fibroadenomas to more serious conditions.