Specialist Surgeon | Female Health Care | Cape Town Mediclinic
Arrange an assessment as soon as possible. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but a lump cannot be judged by feel alone. Examination, imaging and, where needed, a needle biopsy are required to establish the diagnosis.
What Should I Note Before the Consultation?
Note when you first noticed the lump and whether it has changed. Also record any of the following:
- Pain or tenderness.
- Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering or redness.
- Nipple changes, inversion or discharge.
- A lump or swelling in the armpit.
- Previous breast problems, and any family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Bring any previous mammogram or ultrasound reports.
What Causes Breast Lumps?
Common causes include fibroadenomas, cysts and fibrocystic change. Less often, a lump is breast cancer. Testing is needed to tell these apart.
How Is a Breast Lump Investigated?
Breast lumps are usually assessed with what is known as triple assessment:
- Clinical examination: both breasts and the lymph nodes in the armpits and neck.
- Imaging: ultrasound, mammography or both, depending on the findings.
- Needle biopsy: where a tissue diagnosis is needed, a sample is taken under local anaesthetic.
The findings are considered together before a diagnosis is made. More detail is in Understanding Your Breast Biopsy.
What Happens After the Diagnosis?
A benign lump does not necessarily need treatment. Removal may be recommended if it is large, growing or causing symptoms, and follow-up may be advised. If cancer is diagnosed, treatment is usually planned by the surgeon together with the oncology team. The options are set out on the breast cancer surgery page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a painful lump need to be assessed?
Yes. Breast lumps may be painful or painless, and testing is needed to tell benign lumps from cancer.
Should I wait to see if the lump goes away?
No. A new breast lump should be assessed as soon as possible.
Can men develop breast lumps?
Yes. Breast cancer is much less common in men than in women, but any unusual lump in a man's breast should be assessed.
If you have found a lump or noticed a change in your breast, please arrange a consultation with Dr. Loots.
Book a ConsultationThis article provides general information only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are concerned about your health, please seek advice from a doctor.