A breast mass, also known as a breast lump, is a localized swelling that feel different from the surrounding tissue.[1] Breast pain, nipple discharge, or skin changes may be present.[1] Concerning findings include masses that are hard, do not move easily, are of an irregular shape, or are firmly attached to surrounding tissue.[2]
Causes include fibrocystic change, fibroadenomas, breast infection, galactoceles, and breast cancer.[1] Breast cancer makes up about 10% of breast masses.[1] Diagnosis is typically by examination, medical imaging, and tissue biopsy.[2] Tissue biopsy is often by fine needle aspiration biopsy.[3] Repeated examination may be required.[2]
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.[1] It may vary from simple pain medication to surgical removal.[1] Some causes may resolve without treatment.[4] Breast masses are relatively common.[2] It is the most common breast complaint with the women’s concern generally being that of cancer.[5][6]
| Finding | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|
Fibrocystic breast changes | 40% | |
No Disease | 30% | |
Fibroadenoma | 7% | |
Other benign mammary dysplasia and neoplasms | 13% | |
Breast cancer | 10% | |
An pictorial example of breast self-examination in six steps. Steps 1-3 involve inspection of the breast with the arms hanging next to the body, behind the head and in the side. Step 4 is palpation of the breast. Step 5 is palpation of the nipple. Step 6 is palpation of the breast while lying down.
| Breast mass | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Breast lump, breast tumor |
 | |
| A breast lump associated with an inverted nipple and skin dimpling. The underlying cause was breast cancer. | |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
| Symptoms | An area of the breast that feel different than the surrounding tissue[1] |
| Causes | Fibrocystic change, fibroadenomas, breast infection, galactoceles, breast cancer[1] |
| Diagnostic method | Examination, medical imaging, tissue biopsy[2] |
| Treatment | Depends on the underlying cause[1] |
| Frequency | Common[2] |
