Finding a lump in your breast can be worrying, but most of the time, it’s not cancerous, which means it’s harmless. However, it’s important to get any lumps or swelling checked by a doctor just to be safe.
Even though we typically associate breasts with women, men also have breast tissue. Changes in hormones can cause lumps to form, and they can happen at any age. While most lumps go away on their own, it’s essential to have them examined by a doctor to rule out any serious concerns.
Breast tissue can often feel uneven or bumpy, and you might experience occasional tenderness that coincides with your menstrual cycle.
If you’re facing a health issue related to your breasts, you might notice some changes in their usual texture. These changes could involve:
After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will physically examine the breast lump and check for any other abnormalities. Since it’s challenging to determine whether a breast lump is a cyst through a clinical breast exam alone, further testing is necessary. This typically involves either an imaging test or fine-needle aspiration.
Imaging tests may include:
Your doctor needs to identify the cause of your breast lump before devising a treatment plan. It’s important to note that not all lumps require breast lump treatment. There are different treatments for different types of lumps.
You should not jump to conclusions upon discovering a breast lump. Your doctor can guide you on whether further testing is needed and if treatment is necessary.
If a breast lump is not treated, the outcome can vary depending on the underlying cause of the lump. With benign conditions like fibroadenomas or cysts, the lump may remain stable or resolve on its own over time without causing significant harm.
On the other hand, if the breast lump is due to breast cancer and is left untreated, it can lead to cancer spreading to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. Metastatic breast cancer can be much more challenging to treat and may have a poorer prognosis compared to early-stage breast cancer.
Overall, it’s essential to seek medical advice if you discover a breast lump to determine the cause and appropriate course of action, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
You should visit a doctor if:
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