Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Multimedia

A breast lump is a growth that forms within the breast. Different types of breast lumps can vary in the way they look and feel.

You might notice:

  • A distinct lump with clear-cut edges.
  • A firm or hard area within the breast.
  • A thicker, slightly raised area in the breast that's different from the tissue around it.

You also might see these changes along with a lump:

  • An area of skin that has changed in color or turned red or pink.
  • Dimpling of the skin.
  • Pitting of the skin, which may look like an orange peel in texture.
  • A change in the size of one breast that makes it larger than the other breast.
  • Nipple changes, such as a nipple that turns inward or releases fluid.
  • Lasting breast pain or tenderness, which is in one area or may go on after your period.

A breast lump can be a sign of breast cancer. That's why you should get it checked by your health care provider as soon as you can. It's even more important to get a breast lump checked after menopause. The upside is that most breast lumps are benign. That means they are not caused by cancer.

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March 01, 2023

See also

  1. Breast cancer
  2. Breast Cancer
  3. Breast cancer chemoprevention
  4. Breast Cancer Education Tool
  5. Common questions about breast cancer treatment
  6. Infographic: Breast Cancer Risk
  7. Breast cancer staging
  8. Breast cancer types
  9. Breast cysts
  10. Breast pain
  11. Dragon Boats and Breast Cancer
  12. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
  13. Fibrocystic breasts
  14. Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
  15. Genetic testing for breast cancer: Psychological and social impact
  16. HER2-positive breast cancer: What is it?
  17. Male breast cancer
  18. Mammary duct ectasia
  19. What is breast cancer? An expert explains
  20. Paget's disease of the breast
  21. Paulas story A team approach to battling breast cancer
  22. Pink Sisters
  23. Recurrent breast cancer
  24. The Long Race Beating Cancer
  25. Weight Loss After Breast Cancer