Is Every Lump Felt in the Breast Cancer? In What Situations Should You See a Doctor?

However, any new lump in the breast should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if it persists or is accompanied by other breast changes. Since breast cancer may sometimes show no symptoms in its early stages, it is important to pay attention to any new or unusual changes.

Is a Breast Lump Always Cancer?

No. Detecting a lump in the breast does not automatically mean a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Lumps, firmness, or nodular structures can be felt in breast tissue for various reasons. The important thing is to determine the cause of any newly emerged change.

For this reason, an individual cannot definitively determine whether a lump is cancerous on their own. A doctor's examination and, if deemed necessary, imaging or other diagnostic evaluations are required.

What Causes a Breast Lump?

There are many different reasons why a breast lump may form. These include:

• Breast cysts
• Benign growths such as fibroadenomas
• Hormonal changes
• Certain benign changes in breast tissue
• Infections or inflammatory conditions
• Breast cancer

may be among the causes.

Therefore, it is not possible to make a diagnosis by looking at only a single characteristic, such as whether the lump is hard or soft.

Which Breast Changes Should Be Taken Into Consideration?

The changes that may be seen in breast cancer are not limited to just a lump. If any of the following symptoms are noticed, a doctor's evaluation is important:

• A newly emerged lump in the breast: A lump or thickening that was not there before and has become noticeable should be evaluated.
• Underarm lump: A new swelling or lump that appears in the underarm area is also a finding that should be evaluated in terms of breast health.
• Changes in breast shape or size: Any newly appearing swelling or change in shape in a part of the breast or the entire breast should be taken into consideration.
• Changes in breast skin: Changes such as redness, thickening, dimpling, or an orange-peel appearance may require a doctor's evaluation.
• Changes in the nipple: Changes such as the nipple newly retracting inward or crusting and thickening of the nipple should be evaluated.
• Nipple discharge: Discharge other than breast milk, especially if it is unilateral and occurs spontaneously, should be evaluated by a doctor. Bloody discharge is also one of the findings that should be taken into account.

Is a painful breast lump cancer?

The presence or absence of pain in the breast does not, by itself, indicate the cause of a lump.

Breast cancer can occur without pain. Likewise, benign breast conditions can also cause pain.

For this reason, it is not accurate to assume that "if it hurts, it is not cancer" or "if it does not hurt, it is definitely cancer."

What should be done if a breast lump is noticed?

When a new lump is noticed, the first thing to do is not to panic. However, rather than waiting for the lump to go away on its own or trying to self-diagnose via the internet, the most appropriate approach is to consult a healthcare professional.

A doctor can plan the necessary evaluation based on the individual's age, medical history, family history, and the characteristics of the lump.

Which doctor should be consulted for a breast lump?

When a palpable lump or a new change in breast tissue is noticed, you can consult the General Surgery department.

When deemed necessary, the doctor may plan breast imaging methods or other examinations.

Can Breast Cancer Screening Be Done Without a Lump?

Yes. The purpose of breast cancer screening is not just to investigate the disease after symptoms appear.

In the community-based screening program in Turkey, mammography is performed every two years for women between the ages of 40 and 69. Screening programs can help detect breast cancer at an early stage before any symptoms arise.

For individuals with personal risk factors, the screening plan may differ and should be evaluated separately by a doctor.

Should Those with a Family History of Breast Cancer Be More Careful?

Having a family history of breast cancer, especially in a first-degree relative, can increase the risk of breast cancer. However, a significant portion of women diagnosed with breast cancer may have no known family history.

Therefore, not having a family history of breast cancer does not mean that a person is not at risk.