Home Conditions & Treatments Conditions & Treatments Breast Lump

Breast Lump

Make Appointments & Get Care

What Is a Breast Lump?

Breast lumps are common and can occur in both women and men. While most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), it is important to have any new or unusual lumps evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out breast cancer or other serious conditions.

What Does a Breast Lump Feel Like?

Breast lumps can vary in size, shape, and texture. Common symptoms associated with breast lumps include:

A distinct lump or mass in the breast tissue
Changes in breast size or shape
Skin changes over the lump, such as dimpling or puckering
Nipple discharge, which may be clear, bloody, or another color
Pain or tenderness in the breast or nipple area

Breast Self-Exams Are No Longer Recommended — Here’s What to Do Instead

Many women believe in the importance of doing monthly self-exams of their breasts. Yet 15 years ago, the American Cancer Society recommended against teaching self-breast exams.

Cartoon Characters Representing Breast Cancer

What Causes Breast Lumps?

They can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

Fibrocystic Changes: These are non-cancerous changes that give the breast a lumpy or rope-like texture. They are often related to hormonal fluctuations.
Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs within the breast that can be tender, especially before menstruation.
Fibroadenomas: Solid, benign tumors that are most common in young women.
Infections: Such as mastitis, which can cause painful, red lumps.
Injuries: Trauma to the breast can lead to fat necrosis, which feels like a firm lump.
Breast Cancer: Malignant tumors that require prompt evaluation and treatment.

UR Medicine's Treatments for Breast Lump

How Is a Breast Lump Diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of a breast lump, your healthcare provider may perform:

Clinical Breast Exam: A physical examination of the breasts and underarms.
Imaging Tests: Such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI to visualize the lump.
Biopsy: Removal of a small sample of tissue from the lump for laboratory analysis to determine if it is benign or malignant.

How Is a Breast Lump Treated?

The treatment for a breast lump depends on its cause:

Benign Lumps: May not require treatment but should be monitored for changes. Some benign lumps, like cysts, can be aspirated to remove fluid.
Infections: Treated with antibiotics.
Fibroadenomas: May be left alone or surgically removed if they are large or cause discomfort.
Breast Cancer: Requires a comprehensive treatment plan that may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.

How Can Breast Lumps be Prevented?

While not all breast lumps can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:

Being familiar with the normal feel of your breasts.
Scheduling routine clinical breast exams and mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

What Sets Us Apart?

The UR Medicine Breast Imaging Center is designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology's (ACR) Commission on Quality and Safety and the Commission on Breast Imaging for a three-year term. The ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation signifies that UR Medicine Breast Imaging provides these services to the Rochester and surrounding communities at the highest standards of the radiology profession.

Our expertise is backed by research. As part of an academic medical center, our providers are continuously working to advance the detection and assessment of breast disease. We invest in in cutting-edge technology.

We collaborate with breast specialists at UR Medicine's Wilmot Cancer Institute to ensure that all necessary treatments and support is available.