Are All Breast Lumps Cancer?

Breast cancer prevention strategies like breast exams can save your life. Breast cancer is the second-most common type of cancer in women in the United States. If you can catch breast cancer in the early stages, your chances of positive treatment outcomes improve.

To check for breast cancer, use a breast self-exam. Your provider at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin also examines your breasts during your regularly scheduled well-woman appointment. Our team of experienced women’s health providers, led by board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Mary Grace Bridges, offers screening, counseling, and treatments like breast surgery from locations in Odessa and Midland, Texas.

Breast lumps and breast cancer

Breast cancer forms in your breast tissue. Both men and women can be affected by this type of cancer, although women are at much higher risk. Your genetics and environment also impact your risk of developing breast cancer.

In order to detect the cancer early, it’s important to regularly check your breasts for lumps, otherwise unexplained changes, and other irregularities. When you perform self-exams at least once a month, you know how your breasts usually feel, and are more likely to catch early signs of potential cancer.

Cancerous vs. noncancerous breast lumps

You should know that only 3-6% of all breast lumps relate to cancer. The rest are benign. However, if you notice a breast lump, get it checked out by a medical professional right away, as you don’t want to delay identifying potential breast cancer.

Signs that indicate a lump is likely to be cancerous include an irregular size or shape that’s firm like a small rock. The lump is immovable and seems stuck to one area. If a lump feels rubbery and moveable, it’s less likely to be cancerous. Noncancerous breast lumps are also more likely to feel tender or painful.

What could cause breast lumps besides cancer? You could have simple or complicated cysts or cystic and solid masses. These “lumps” may change in size over the course of your monthly menstrual cycle, a phenomenon known as cyclic breast changes.

What to do when you find a breast lump

If you find a lump in your breast, take it seriously, but don’t panic. You don’t know, yet, if you could have breast cancer. The next step after finding a breast lump is to reach out to a gynecologist like Dr. Bridges.

Dr. Bridges can use several techniques to learn more about the condition of your breast tissue. A mammogram can confirm the presence of a lump, and ultrasounds help to rule out masses that don’t need further testing. A tissue biopsy from the lump is ultimately the best way to tell if cancer cells are present.

If your biopsy comes back clear, you can relax. If the biopsy shows abnormal breast tissue, Dr. Bridges counsels you on your breast cancer treatment options. You may need breast surgery if you have a malignant tumor.

As soon as you notice abnormal breast changes, take action and set up an appointment right away. Contact Dr. Bridges at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin and schedule your appointment online or over the phone.