Breast Lumps

It can be frightening finding a breast lump, but it is important to remember than nine out of 10 breast lumps are benign (not cancer) – or even prominent areas of normal breast tissue.

They are not usually signs of breast cancer, but because some lumps are cancerous, you should always visit a doctor if you find one. You are more likely to survive breast cancer if it is found early.

When the doctor is assessing your breast lump you will have a breast examination. Depending on your age, you will also have a mammogram and/or ultrasound. It is also likely that biopsy (needle test) will be performed. This combination of tests is known as the triple test and is known to be the best approach to confirm or exclude breast cancer.

If the results of your tests are benign, you do not have breast cancer and your lump does not have to be removed by surgery.

We do advise a follow up at three to six months, because some benign breast lumps continue to grow. This is uncommon, but if they become large enough to be a nuisance, they can be surgically removed. This can also be done if you continue to worry about your breast lump despite the benign test results.

If the results from the breast exam and the other parts of this test are benign, you do not have breast cancer and you don’t need surgery to remove the breast lump. However, you should have a follow-up visit at three to six months after your breast exam, because sometimes benign breast lumps continue to grow. If the lump becomes big enough to cause a problem, it can be removed – but this is not common.

Some women continue to worry about breast lumps, even if they are benign. If you are still worried, despite reassurance, you can have the breast lump surgically removed.