--- title: "Breast lump: When to See a GP | HealthAnswers" description: "Most breast lumps are benign — cysts and fibroadenomas are common — but any new breast lump, thickening or nipple change needs GP assessment within two…" url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/breast-lump/ robots: noindex --- # Breast lump: When to See a GP | HealthAnswers Symptoms Most breast lumps are benign — cysts and fibroadenomas are common — but any new breast lump, thickening or nipple change needs GP assessment within two weeks. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What could breast lump mean? A breast lump is a swelling or thickening in the breast tissue, and most breast lumps are not cancer — cysts and fibroadenomas are common, especially under 40. Any new lump, nipple discharge, skin change or persistent breast pain needs GP assessment within two weeks. The NHS breast screening programme checks women aged 50 to 71. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Breast lump, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 11 sections ## Common causes of breast lump - Most breast lumps are benign — but every new lump needs medical assessment. - Breast cancer can present as a painless lump — do not wait for pain. - Know what is normal for you and check your breasts regularly for changes. - The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women aged 50 to 71 every three years. - Men can get breast cancer too — though it is much less common. ## Most breast lumps are not cancer — but all need checking Finding a **breast lump** is worrying, but **most breast lumps are benign** (not cancer). Cysts, fibroadenomas and areas of normal lumpy breast tissue are common, especially in premenopausal women. However, **breast cancer can present as a painless lump**, so every new change needs **GP assessment** — usually within two weeks. ## Breast changes to report to a GP See a GP if: - you find a new lump or an area of thickening in the breast or armpit - your breast changes in size or shape - there is nipple discharge , especially blood-stained or clear discharge from one nipple - your nipple turns inward (inversion) when it was previously normal - the skin changes , with dimpling, puckering, redness or a rash on the nipple - you have persistent breast pain , which is usually not cancer but needs assessment if it continues - there is swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone **Pain alone** is rarely cancer, but **do not assume a painless lump is harmless**. ## Common benign causes of breast lumps A **fibroadenoma** is a smooth, firm, mobile lump that is common in women under 30. A **breast cyst** is a fluid-filled sac that can be tender and may change size with the menstrual cycle. **Fibrocystic change** causes general lumpiness, often in both breasts, linked to hormonal cycles. A **lipoma** is a soft, fatty lump under the skin. A **breast abscess** is a painful, hot, red area that comes with fever. It needs antibiotics and sometimes drainage. A GP or breast clinic assesses the characteristics of a lump — its size, mobility and consistency — and arranges imaging. ## Warning signs of breast cancer Breast cancer may cause a **hard, irregular lump** that feels fixed to the tissue, although this is not always the case. A **painless lump** is the most common presentation. Other possible signs include **skin dimpling** with an “orange peel” appearance, **nipple changes** such as discharge, inversion or an eczema-like rash (Paget’s disease), and **one breast becoming larger** or changing shape. Early breast cancer is often **too small to feel**, which is why **mammography screening** matters. ## What happens when you see a GP about a breast lump A GP examines both breasts and armpits and, if needed, refers you to a **breast clinic** on an urgent pathway — you are usually seen within two weeks. At the breast clinic you may have a **clinical examination**, a **mammogram** (a breast X-ray, which is less useful in very young, dense breasts), an **ultrasound** (used especially under 40 or for dense tissue), and a **biopsy** if imaging shows anything of concern. Most people referred to a breast clinic **do not have cancer** — but fast assessment provides either reassurance or an early diagnosis. ## NHS breast screening Women aged **50 to 71** in England are invited for **mammography screening every 3 years**, even without symptoms. Screening finds cancer early, before lumps can be felt. **Screening does not replace symptom reporting** — always see a GP about changes between screens. Some areas offer screening from age 47, so check your local programme details. **Women at higher risk**, such as those with a strong family history or BRCA gene carriers, may start screening earlier through specialist programmes. ## Checking your breasts Get to know what is **normal** for you. Look at and feel your breasts regularly — many women check monthly after their period — and report **any change** promptly rather than waiting for the next screening appointment. Remember that breast tissue extends into the **armpit**, so check there too. There is no evidence that rigorous self-examination reduces breast cancer deaths, but **breast awareness** — knowing what is normal for you — helps you notice change early. ## Breast pain **Cyclical breast pain** linked to periods is common and usually benign. **Non-cyclical persistent pain**, especially in one area, should be assessed if it lasts more than a few weeks. ## Men and breast lumps Breast cancer in men is **rare** — about 400 UK cases a year — but real. Any lump under the nipple, nipple discharge or nipple change in a man needs GP assessment. **Gynaecomastia**, or enlarged breast tissue, is a common benign cause and often affects both sides. ## Breast changes after menopause New breast symptoms after menopause, especially a new lump, need **prompt assessment**. Postmenopausal bleeding is a separate urgent symptom — see a GP the same day if it occurs. ## Do not wait to get a breast lump checked Embarrassment or fear can delay diagnosis. GPs and breast clinics see breast symptoms every day — early assessment saves lives when cancer is present, and provides reassurance when it is not. ## ! When to get medical help for breast lump See a GP within 2 weeks for any new lump, thickening, or change in breast tissue, nipple discharge (especially blood-stained), nipple inversion, persistent breast pain, rash or dimpling of skin, or swelling in the armpit. You may be referred on a fast-track pathway. Call **999** only for acute severe illness — breast lumps need urgent GP assessment, not A&E, unless otherwise advised. ## Common questions about breast lump How do I check my breasts? Know what is normal for you — look and feel regularly (for example monthly after a period). Report any new lump, thickening, skin change, nipple discharge, or persistent pain. There is no single correct technique — familiarity with your normal breast tissue matters most. What causes benign breast lumps? Common benign causes include fibroadenomas (smooth, mobile lumps common in young women), breast cysts (fluid-filled sacs that may fluctuate with periods), areas of fibrocystic change, and lipomas (fatty lumps). A GP or breast clinic distinguishes these from concerning features. What are the signs of breast cancer? Signs of breast cancer include a new lump or thickening (often painless), a change in breast size or shape, nipple discharge (especially blood-stained), nipple inversion, skin dimpling like orange peel, a rash on the nipple, or persistent armpit swelling. When does NHS breast screening start? NHS breast screening with mammography invites women aged 50 to 71 every 3 years in England. It detects cancer before symptoms appear. Screening does not replace seeing a GP for symptoms between screens — report changes immediately. Can men get breast lumps? Yes — men can develop breast cancer, though it is rare (about 400 cases a year in the UK). Any lump under the nipple in a man needs GP assessment. Gynaecomastia (enlarged breast tissue) is a common benign cause. ## Sources - [NHS — Breast lump](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-lump/) - [NHS — Breast cancer](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/)