Breast lump

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.

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
• NHS — Breast cancer