Women's Health

Breast lumps: what you need to know and when to worry

Two young women sitting on a couch in a living room drinking coffee. They are discussing how to know when to see a doctor for a breast lump.

01/22/2025

From normal lumps to warning signs — here’s what every woman should know about breast lumps.

 

By Susan K. Boolbol, MD, System Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology and the Breast Program, Nuvance Health

 

Finding a lump in your breast can be an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a moment that can send your heart racing. Many women immediately think the worst — “Is it breast cancer?” This fear is completely normal and understandable.

 

Breast lumps are incredibly common and can show up for many reasons. So, please take a deep breath, and let’s discuss what you need to know about breast lumps, when to be checked and how to stay proactive about your breast health.

 

 

What are breast lumps?

 

Breast lumps are fluid-filled or solid masses that can develop in the breast tissue. They come in different shapes, sizes and textures and can occur in one or both breasts and near the armpit. Some lumps are barely noticeable, while others may feel quite prominent. 

 

While it’s important to remember not all breast lumps are a cause for alarm, please always see your doctor if anything feels unusual. Visiting your gynecologist or primary care provider is a good place to start.

 

 

What causes breast lumps?

 

The causes of breast lumps vary depending on factors including age, hormonal changes and life stages like pregnancy and menopause. Here’s a breakdown of common causes of breast lumps:

 

  • Menstrual cycles: Hormonal fluctuations during your period can cause lumps or areas of thickened breast tissue. These lumps often feel sore or tender and go away after your period.

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause lumps. Clogged or swollen milk ducts during breastfeeding can also cause temporary lumps.

  • Menopause: Hormones again! During menopause, hormonal shifts can lead to changes in breast tissue. During menopause, your breasts may feel painful or tender, change size or shape or develop non-cancerous cysts.

  • Breast cysts: This is a common condition in women ages 30 to 50 where your breasts develop a fluid-filled mass. These cysts can be round or oval and tend to move. The exact cause of fibrocystic breast changes is unknown, but experts think it’s due to fluctuating reproductive hormones, especially estrogen. Your breasts might feel lumpy and tender before your period and usually feel better after it.


Related: Navigating menopause

 

What kind of lumps are normal in breasts?

 

It’s important to recognize that some lumps are a normal part of breast tissue. Fibrocystic breasts, for example, often feel dense and bumpy due to the changes in tissue. Lumps associated with hormonal changes, like during menstruation or pregnancy, are usually harmless and resolve on their own.

 

However, it’s always good to monitor any new or changing breast lumps and share your concerns with your healthcare provider.

 

 

What do cysts in the breast feel like?

 

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are usually benign. They can feel like soft, round or oval lumps with clear edges, often described as “squishy.” Cysts tend to move under the skin and can be tender, especially before your period. In most cases, cysts don’t require treatment. However, it’s always good to monitor any new or changing breast lumps and share your concerns with your healthcare provider.

 

 

What is a fibroadenoma breast lump?

 

A fibroadenoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of both glandular and fibrous breast tissue. These lumps are most common in younger women, particularly those in their 20s and 30s. Fibroadenomas tend to feel firm and smooth and move easily under the skin when touched. They are usually painless and can vary in size, often growing larger during pregnancy or hormone therapy and shrinking after menopause.

 

Most fibroadenomas don’t require treatment unless they’re causing discomfort or continue to grow. They’re generally harmless and don’t increase your risk of breast cancer. Please monitor any new or changing breast lumps and share your concerns with your healthcare provider.

 

What does a cancerous breast lump feel like?

 

A cancerous breast lump tends to have a few distinct characteristics that set it apart from benign lumps:

 

  • Hard or firm texture: Unlike cysts, cancerous lumps are often hard or firm to the touch. While cysts can feel like a grape, breast cancer can feel like a rock.

  • Irregular shape: They may have uneven edges and feel fixed in place rather than movable.

  • Painless: Most cancerous lumps usually don’t cause pain.

  • Persistent growth: Your doctor should evaluate a lump that continues to grow over time.

 

If you notice any of these in a breast lump, it’s essential to consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation.

 

 

When should I be worried about a breast lump?

 

Not all breast lumps are a cause for concern, but it is always safer to be evaluated by your doctor.

 

It’s essential to see your doctor if you notice any of these signs or symptoms: 

 

  • The lump is new or growing

  • The lump doesn’t go away after your menstrual cycle

  • The lump feels hard, irregular or immobile

  • There are changes in the skin over the lump, such as dimpling, redness or thickening

  • You have nipple discharge, especially if it has blood in it

  • You noticed any changes in the shape or size of your breast

 

If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor to let them know, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. They will examine you and connect you with appropriate follow-up care, which may include breast imaging such as a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI.

 

 

Can a breast lump turn into cancer?

 

Most breast lumps don’t turn into cancer. Benign lumps like cysts and fibroadenomas typically remain non-cancerous. However, it’s important to keep monitoring any lumps for changes. Annual checkups with your gynecologist or primary care provider are a terrific way to monitor your breast health.


If you are 40 or older, you should also get your annual screening mammogram. Mammograms help catch potential issues early.


Learn more in this video: Is it worth getting a screening mammogram?

  

How do I perform a breast self-exam?

 

You can also monitor your breast health through self-exams. The goal of a self-breast exam isn’t just to find lumps but to be familiar with what’s normal for you. That way, you can identify any changes and tell your healthcare provider. 

 

Here is how to do a breast self-exam:

 

  • In the shower: Use the pads of your fingers to move around your entire breast in a circular motion. Start from the outside and move inward, covering the entire breast and armpit area. Check for any lumps, thickened areas or changes in texture.

  • Lying down: When lying down, the breast tissue spreads evenly along the chest wall, making it easier to feel any lumps. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. With your left hand, move your fingers around your right breast in circular motions. Repeat on the left side.

  • In front of a mirror: Stand with your arms at your sides, then raise them above your head. Look for changes in the shape, swelling or dimpling of the skin, and check if your nipples turn inward or show signs of discharge.

 

When should I perform a self-breast exam?

 

Examining your breasts once per month is a good practice to monitor for any potential changes. The time of the month is important:

 

  • For people who menstruate: The best time to perform a breast self-exam is a few days after your period ends, usually 3 to 5 days afterward. At this point in your cycle, your breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender, which makes it easier to feel any lumps or changes.

  • For people who don’t menstruate, including those who are post-menopausal: Pick a consistent day each month to perform your self-exam, such as the first or last day of the month. Consistency helps you get familiar with how your breasts normally feel.

 

The bottom line: Breast lumps are common, and most are not cancerous. While breast lumps can certainly be scary, remember that most are harmless. Hormonal changes, cysts and other benign conditions like fibrocystic breast changes often cause lumps that come and go on their own. However, always see your doctor if you feel any new breast lumps. Pay particular attention to lumps that feel hard, have irregular shapes or grow.

 

When it comes to breast health, staying vigilant and getting regular screenings is the best way to catch any issues early.


Ready for a screening mammogram? Book now.