If you find a breast lump, it doesn’t mean you have breast cancer, as there can be benign, non-cancerous lumps in one or both breasts. Most lumps represent benign processes but they should be checked out, as a breast lump can be a symptom of a variety of conditions. It is important that you make an appointment with your physician, or a Hoag breast care specialist, to evaluate it further.
A breast lump is a growth of tissue or fluid that develops within the breast and feels different from the surrounding breast tissue. A breast lump can vary in the way it looks and feels and may be described as a growth, mass, swelling, thickness or fullness.
Other breast growths you may feel can include:
Breast Cyst: A breast cyst usually feels like a water-filled balloon or soft grape. Breast cysts can be painful and cause heightened worry, but generally are benign (non-cancerous). It is important for women to get their breast cyst evaluated appropriately.
Breast Mass: A breast mass can be generally classified as benign or malignant (cancer). The main concern of many women presenting with a breast mass is the likelihood of cancer; however, most breast masses are benign (non-cancerous).
Breast Tumor: A breast tumor is when breast cells have grown abnormally and rapidly, often forming a lump. The majority of breast tumors detected by mammography are benign (non-cancerous), while some may range from pre-cancerous to cancer. The terms breast mass and breast tumor are often used interchangeably.
If you feel a breast lump, growth, or a change in an existing lump, even though lumps are often benign, it should be checked by a physician right away. A Hoag breast care specialist can be available to evaluate you by calling 949-764-5780.
Whether it is time for your annual breast screening or you have an area of concern, it is extremely valuable for you to be proactive in your breast health.
Hoag’s comprehensive breast program offers the most advanced screening technologies, along with a compassionate and specialized breast care team.
With a multidisciplinary approach that includes awareness, prevention, early detection, use of promising therapies, and extensive complementary support programs, our team at Hoag is here to help you with your specific breast health needs. Schedule your mammogram today.