What does a suspicious breast lump feel like?

Most women know that it’s recommended to check for breast lumps about once a month – but they might not know exactly what they should be looking for.

“The size and shape of breast lumps can vary, but there are a few things you need to focus on when doing a self-exam,” said Naomi J. Kalliath, DO, a breast surgical oncologist who practices at Cape Cod Healthcare Breast Surgery - Falmouth and Cape Cod Healthcare Breast Surgery - Hyannis.

A New Lump

“The first thing to be aware of is that some people have very lumpy breast tissue, but a new lump that wasn’t there previously or that is asymmetric to the other breast would be potentially concerning. For instance, if the woman feels a lump in their upper inner right breast that feels a little bit different than the rest of the breast tissue, they should compare to the upper inner left breast. If it’s definitely only on one side, that should not be ignored,” she said.

Nipple Changes

Another thing to watch for is nipple changes. “If your nipple becomes inverted or retracted, and it didn’t use to be like that, that could be concerning; if there’s any fluid coming out of the nipple, specifically if it’s rust colored, bloody or clear, that’s abnormal. Bilateral or milky nipple discharge isn’t something to worry about.”

Asymmetry

Another thing to look for can be a little more difficult because it might be quite subtle, she said. “Nobody’s breasts are symmetrical. Often the left size is a little bit larger than the right, but nobody’s perfectly symmetrical. But I tell my patients to make sure to know what is normal for you. If you’re looking at yourself in the mirror and over the course of a few months, you notice that one breast has shrunk significantly or maybe grown significantly, and that asymmetry is much more pronounced, that would be concerning.”

Skin Changes

The last thing to check for is skin changes, like a bad rash on just one breast that doesn’t go away. “I’ve had a few patients who had a progressive rash on the areola and they didn’t think anything of it, but it ended up being a cancer,” she said.

Make an Appointment

If you find anything of concern during a self-check and it doesn’t go away in two weeks, make an appointment and bring it to the attention of your primary care provider or gynecologist, advises Dr. Kalliath. If you’re already seeing a breast specialist, call them. Typically, an ultrasound will be the next step, she said.

“For women who are still getting their period, it is best to do the exam after the first day of your period, which is also a nice reminder,” she said. “When you get your period, it’s time to do your monthly breast exam. For women who don’t get their period anymore, I often ask if they have a pet that is getting heartworm pills once a month. If that’s the case, then make that your once-a-month breast exam and general family health day.

“I think that all humans should give themselves a check once a month, breasts and elsewhere. Look in the mirror and double check that all your freckles and moles look the same.”

Not Just for Women

Men should also be doing a regular self-check, looking for lumps and bumps in the breast, she said.

“Stage for stage, men have the exact same prognosis as women, but they often present at a later stage because they’ve ignored a lump in the breast. One in 100 breast cancer cases is in a man, so it’s uncommon, but it’s common enough that it’s something everyone should be aware of.”