It’s not uncommon for a woman at some point within her lifetime to feel a breast “lump.” What should she do if this should occur?
Since lumpiness of the breasts commonly occurs for hormonal reasons, a young woman who is premenopausal could reasonably wait till completing her current menstrual cycle to see if this “lump” goes away. If it doesn’t, then of course, she should go to her doctor for evaluation. Typically she might see a gynecologist or primary care physician for evaluation. If her physician believes that she might have a true mass in her breast, additional tests and possibly a consultation with a breast surgeon would be recommended.

A young woman with a breast mass is likely to have an ultrasound examination of her breasts performed and possibly a mammogram, as well depending upon the results of the ultrasound and her age. If she is over 30 years of age it is likely that a mammogram will be ordered. Frequently, areas of thickening or lumpiness in a young premenopausal woman, is simply fibrocystic breast tissue which tends to become more prominent and often tender as a result of hormonal influences. This finding is not worrisome and requires no specific treatment. Diet modification to reduce caffeine or chocolate intake often helps as does taking vitamin E or evening primrose oil (in capsule or liquid form) for a short period of time.

If a woman has a true mass, this clearly requires further evaluation by a breast surgeon. A true mass represents either a benign or malignant growth and will likely require a biopsy if there is the possibility for malignancy. A needle biopsy often represents the first step, however the mass will probably require surgical removal as well. This can generally be done on an outpatient basis with excellent cosmetic results by a qualified surgeon. Malignant tumors require other forms of treatment as well, such as lymph node biopsies, possible radiation therapy and hormonal or chemotherapy.

Most women who have breast “lumps” however do not have cancer. It is critical however to not ignore a new “lump” in the breast and to seek medical advice from one’s physician if a woman finds a breast “lump.”