Breast Lump Mobility: Is it indicative of cancer?
Breast lumps can be a cause for concern, but it's important to remember that most breast lumps are benign. This article aims to provide a clear and straightforward guide on the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and potential causes of breast lumps.
Symptoms of Cancerous Breast Lumps
A new lump, often hard and painless, with irregular edges and an immobile feel is a common symptom of cancerous breast lumps. Other signs accompanying a cancerous lump include thickening or swelling of part of the breast, skin changes like dimpling, redness, dryness, peeling, or thickening, nipple retraction or pulling inward, nipple discharge other than breast milk, especially bloody discharge, pain in breast or nipple area, swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone, large lumps, nipple retractions, or red nipple discharge suggesting skin infiltration, a more serious sign [1][2][4].
Diagnostic Methods
Diagnosing a breast lump involves several steps. A Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) is the first step, where a health professional evaluates lump characteristics such as size, consistency, mobility, and associated skin or nipple changes [3][4].
If further investigation is needed, imaging studies like mammography, breast ultrasound, or MRI may be used. Mammography is a key screening tool that detects suspicious masses or calcifications, especially in women over 40. Breast ultrasound is useful to distinguish cystic (fluid-filled) from solid lumps and assess mobility and borders. MRI is sometimes used for further evaluation in complex cases or high-risk patients [1][3][5].
Biopsy procedures may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) extracts fluid or cells from the lump for cytology, while Core Needle Biopsy removes a tissue core for histopathological diagnosis. Excisional Biopsy, a surgical removal of the lump, is used if other biopsies are inconclusive [1][3][5].
Additional tests like lymph node assessment via physical exam or imaging, and hormone receptor and genetic marker testing may be conducted if cancer is confirmed to guide treatment [1][3][5].
Common Benign Breast Lumps
Breast lumps can be caused by many things, such as cysts, fibroadenomas, and lipomas, which are usually harmless and can be managed or treated accordingly. For example, fibroadenomas are noncancerous breast lumps that are movable under the skin and feel firm or rubbery. They are round or oval, with clear-cut borders [1][3].
Important Notes
- Most breast lumps are benign; about 80% are not cancerous [1][5].
- Movability alone doesn’t rule out cancer, but immobile, hard, irregular lumps are more suspicious [1][2][4].
- Any new breast lump, movable or not, should prompt a medical evaluation to rule out cancer [1][2][4].
If you notice a new lump or any breast changes, consult a healthcare provider promptly. People who have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, such as having the BRCA gene, may want to seek medical attention if they notice any changes in their breasts, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms [1][2][4].
Performing a breast self-exam can be beneficial for those with a higher risk of developing breast cancer, but it is not recommended for those with an average risk [6]. If you have concerns about your breast health, speak with your healthcare provider about the best course of action for you.
[1] Breastcancer.org. (2021). Breast Lump. [online] Available at: https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/lump
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Breast Lump. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-lump/symptoms-causes/syc-20355184
[3] American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast Lump. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
[4] NHS. (2021). Breast lumps. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms/
[5] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Breast Lumps. [online] Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-lumps
[6] American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast Self-Exam. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations/breast-self-exam.html
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