Breast lump Health Article

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will get a complete history from you, with special attention to factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. The health care provider will perform a thorough breast examination. If you don't know how to perform breast self-examination, ask your health care provider to teach you the proper method.

Medical history questions regarding breast lumps include:

• When and how did you first notice the lump?
• Do you have other symptoms such as pain, nipple discharge, or fever?
• Where is the lump located?
• Do you do breast self-exams, and is this lump a recent change?
• Have you had any type of injury to your breast?
• Are you taking any hormones, medications, or supplements?

Tests that may be performed include:

• Biopsy of the lump
• Mammogram
• Needle aspiration of a cyst and examination of the fluid under a microscope
• Study of nipple discharge under a microscope
• Ultrasound to see if the lump is solid or a cyst

Treatment of a breast lump depends on the cause. Solid breast lumps are often removed surgically. Cysts can be drained. Breast infections require antibiotics. If breast cancer is diagnosed, most women receive surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Discuss these options carefully and thoroughly with your doctor.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may also suggest testing for genes that make you more likely to get breast cancer.

Prevention

Breast cancer screening is an important way to find breast cancer early, when it is most easily treated and cured.

• Get regular mammograms.
• If you are over age 20, consider doing a monthly breast self-exam (See: Breast self exam)
• If you are over age 20, have a complete breast exam by your provider at least every 3 years -- every year if you are over 40.

Having fibrocystic breast tissue, mastitis, or breast tenderness related to PMS does NOT put you at greater risk for breast cancer. Having fibrocystic breasts does, however, make your self-exam more confusing, because there are many normal lumps and bumps.

To prevent breast cancer:

• Exercise regularly
• Reduce fat intake
• Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and other high fiber foods
• Do not drink more than 1 or 1 1/2 glasses of alcohol a day

References

Saslow D, Boetes C, Burke W, et al. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast screening with MRI as an adjunct to mammography. CA Cancer J Clin. 2007;57(2):75-89.

Marchant DJ. Benign breast disease. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2002;29(1):1-20.

Klein S. Evaluation of palpable breast masses. Am Fam Physician. 2005;71(9):1731-1738.