Early Evaluation of Breast Lumps

The occurrence of breast lumps often gives rise to worry due to it being considered as a risk factor for breast cancer.

But not all lumps are cancerous. In younger woman breast lumps are quite common. Still, it is important to get any breast lump checked, more importantly, if it is new and makes you feel different than before. 

When to consult your doctor

Being able to recognize how your breasts normally feel helps in easier identification of non-benign lumps. However, you might be required to consult your doctor in case of the following instances:

• Development of new breast lump that thickens and feels different than surrounding tissues.
• Sudden change in shape, size, and appearance of the breast.
• Higher breast density.
• Changes in breast skin, such as itchiness, scaling, redness, dimpling, and puckering. 
• Consistent breast pain that increases with time. 
• Spontaneous nipple discharge.
• Formation of newly inverted nipple.

Follow-up after breast lump evaluation

As soon as you encounter any lump in your breast consult your doctor immediately. If your lump is identified to be non-cancerous then your doctor might require short-term monitoring. During this process, you might be required to undergo continuous breast imaging or other examinations such as a breast MRI.