Finding a lump in your breast can be scary. You may wonder if it’s cancer and be tempted to put off seeing a doctor. But ignoring a lump is not wise. Here’s what you need to know about getting a breast lump evaluated promptly.
What are the common causes of breast lumps?
Most breast lumps are not cancer. Here are some common causes of benign (noncancerous) breast lumps:
- Fibroadenomas: Round, firm, rubbery lumps made up of fibrous and glandular tissue.
- Cysts: Fluid-filled round or oval lumps that are smooth and movable under the skin.
- Fibrocystic changes: Lumpy, rope-like areas in the breasts that come and go with the menstrual cycle.
- Fat necrosis: Hard lumps caused by damaged fatty breast tissue.
- Abscesses: Pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection.
- Phyllodes tumors: Fast-growing but rare fibroepithelial tumors.
But breast cancer can also cause lumps. So it’s important to have any new breast lump evaluated by a doctor.
What does a cancerous breast lump usually feel like?
Cancerous lumps tend to feel different than benign lumps. Features that suggest a lump may be cancer include:
- Hard, irregular shape
- Painless to the touch
- Fixed in place, doesn’t move easily
- Grows over time
But there are exceptions. Some cancers present as round, movable lumps. So you should get any new lump checked out.
How soon should I get a breast lump examined?
It’s important to have a new breast lump evaluated as soon as possible. Many experts recommend seeing your doctor right away if you notice a new lump or other breast change like:
- Lump
- Thickening
- Swelling
- Skin irritation or dimpling
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
- Nipple discharge (especially if bloody)
Don’t wait to see if it goes away. Prompt evaluation and early diagnosis improves breast cancer treatment success.
How long is too long to wait?
There are no set guidelines on how long to wait before getting a breast lump checked out. It depends on your individual risk factors and the characteristics of the lump. But most doctors recommend not waiting longer than:
- 1 month after discovering a lump
- 2 weeks after noticing nipple discharge or skin changes
- 1 week if you have a higher risk for breast cancer due to family history or other factors
The most important thing is not to delay. See your doctor as soon as possible whenever you notice a breast change.
What will happen during my breast lump evaluation?
Getting a breast lump evaluated will involve some or all of these steps:
- Physical exam: Your doctor looks at and feels the lump and surrounding breast tissue.
- Imaging tests: Mammogram, ultrasound, and/or MRI to further assess the lump.
- Biopsy: Removing a small sample of cells or fluid from the lump for testing.
- Referral to a breast specialist: If cancer is suspected, you’ll be sent to a breast surgeon, oncologist, or other specialist.
Don’t be afraid of having a biopsy. It’s the only way to diagnose if a lump is cancer or not. And diagnosing cancer early makes treatment more effective.
What are the consequences of waiting too long?
Delaying evaluation and treatment of a cancerous breast lump allows the cancer time to grow and spread. This negatively impacts prognosis in the following ways:
- The cancer may spread to lymph nodes, making it more difficult to treat.
- The tumor may grow larger, requiring more extensive surgery and treatment.
- Advanced stage cancer has lower survival rates.
Studies show that women who wait 3 months or more to get a breast lump checked have a lower 5-year survival rate. So don’t delay – get any new breast lump evaluated right away.
Can imaging tests (mammogram/ultrasound) replace a biopsy?
No. Mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI exams provide important information about a breast lump. But they cannot definitively diagnose cancer.
The only way to know if a lump is cancer is to take a sample of cells from it and examine them under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. There are several biopsy techniques:
- Fine needle aspiration: Thin needle extracts fluid and cells.
- Core needle biopsy: Hollow needle removes small cylinder of tissue.
- Surgical biopsy: Surgeon cuts out entire lump to send for pathology testing.
So imaging tests may suggest cancer, but a biopsy is always needed for a firm diagnosis. Don’t skip the biopsy, even if imaging results are normal.
What if I don’t have insurance or can’t afford a biopsy?
Lack of insurance or high deductibles should not prevent you from seeking prompt breast lump evaluation. Here are some options if you can’t afford a biopsy:
- Ask your doctor about payment plans or financial assistance.
- Enroll in Medicaid if you qualify by income.
- Search for low/no-cost breast cancer screening programs in your area.
- Ask hospitals/clinics about charity care programs for uninsured patients.
Breast cancer screening and diagnostic services are considered essential preventive care under the Affordable Care Act. Don’t let costs stop you from getting screened and treated.
Key Takeaways
- See your doctor right away if you feel a new breast lump or notice other breast changes.
- Most lumps are benign, but any lump could be cancer so prompt evaluation is key.
- The longer you wait, the larger the cancer may grow, potentially worsening prognosis.
- Have a diagnostic biopsy done – this is the only way to confirm if a lump is cancer.
- Financial concerns should not prevent or delay breast cancer testing.
The Bottom Line
Finding a breast lump can be frightening, but try not to panic. Most lumps are benign. However, any new breast lump or change needs prompt medical evaluation. Don’t wait longer than 1 month after discovering a lump. See your doctor right away so that if it does turn out to be cancer, you can get life-saving early treatment. Catching breast cancer at its earliest stages before it spreads gives you the best chances for survival and full recovery.