Finding a lump in your breast
You’ve discovered a lump in your breast. Now you're worried that you might have cancer.
Fortunately, eight out of 10 lumps aren’t cancerous. But you should see your doctor for tests.
How is a breast lump tested?
When you have the lump checked, your doctor may do one of two things. First, he or she may take some cells from the lump for a pathologist to study under a microscope. This is called a biopsy and is done surgically or with a needle.
It’s possible for your doctor to put you under general anesthesia, do a biopsy and remove your breast during the same operation if the lump proves to be cancerous. However, it’s safe to wait a week or two between your biopsy and treatment. You can use the time between to help prepare yourself for the surgery.
What you should know before you’re treated.
Don’t consent to any course of treatment until your doctor tells you:
- What the procedure is for.
- Its risks and side effects.
- The consequences of treating or not treating your breast cancer.
- The
pros and cons of available alternatives.
Special situations
Cysts. Your lump may resemble a fluid-filled cyst. Your doctor may recommend waiting through your next menstrual cycle if you're premenopausal to see if the mass goes away. Another option is to aspirate the lump with a needle. The mass will collapse if it’s a cyst. Be sure to have a biopsy on any persistent, solid lump.
Invisible lumps. Sometimes lumps you can feel may not show up on a mammogram. These lumps are probably benign, but they should still be biopsied. One cancer, lobular carcinoma, often doesn't show up with mammography.
Lumps you can’t feel. Some abnormalities are only detectable in a mammogram. In such cases, you should receive needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration.
Micro calcifications. In these areas, cells have died, revealing evidence of rapid growth that sometimes indicates cancer. Be sure to have a biopsy on these areas.
No matter how old you are, you will always need a biopsy if a physical exam, x-ray or sonogram suggests that a mass in your breast might be cancer.
Early detection could save your life.
If you’re over 40, you should have a mammogram each year. If you are considered high risk for developing breast cancer, talk to your doctor about more frequent tests and exams for early detection.