Breast lump: common causes, symptoms and what to do next

In short: Most breast lumps are not cancer. They are often harmless things like a fibroadenoma, a fluid-filled cyst or a blocked milk duct. Still, every new breast lump should be checked by a doctor soon, even if it does not hurt. See a gynaecologist or breast specialist promptly if a lump is new, feels hard or fixed, or comes with skin or nipple changes.

Finding a lump in your breast can make your heart sink. That fear is completely natural. The good news is that most lumps turn out to be something simple and harmless. The important thing is not to ignore it, and not to panic either. Getting it checked is how you find peace of mind.

What causes a breast lump?

Breasts are naturally a little lumpy, and the texture can change through the month. A lump is a spot that feels clearly different from the rest of the breast, or different from the same area on the other side. Common causes include:

• Fibroadenoma: a smooth, firm, rubbery lump that moves easily under the fingers. It is common in younger women and is not cancer.
• Breast cyst: a small sac of fluid. It can feel soft or firm, may be tender, and can change in size with your cycle. Cysts are common in the years before menopause.
• Fibrocystic or lumpy breasts: general lumpiness and tenderness, often worse before a period.
• Blocked milk duct: a tender lump while breastfeeding.
• Breast abscess: a painful, swollen collection of pus, usually with redness and sometimes fever.
• Fat necrosis: a firm lump that can form after an injury or surgery to the breast.
• Breast cancer: less common, but this is why every new lump needs a check.

What symptoms should I look out for?

A lump can be anything from pea-sized to larger. Some are painful and some are not. Pain does not tell you whether a lump is harmless or not, so a painless lump still needs a check.

Signs that need a doctor soon:

• a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
• a lump that feels hard, has an uneven edge, or does not move
• skin that looks dimpled, puckered or like orange peel
• a nipple that has newly turned inwards or changed shape
• discharge from the nipple, especially if it is bloody and you are not breastfeeding
• a change in the size or shape of one breast
• a rash or crusting around the nipple that does not settle

Breast lumps during your cycle and after a period

Many women notice lumpy, tender breasts in the days before a period. These changes often soften once the period comes. A good time to feel your breasts is a few days after your period ends, when they are usually least lumpy. If a lump is still there after your period, or you are not sure, show a doctor rather than waiting for several cycles. You can read more in how your cycle affects your breasts.

Breast lumps after delivery and during breastfeeding

After delivery, breasts change a lot as milk comes in. A tender lump while feeding is often a blocked duct. What usually helps:

• keep feeding from that side often
• gently massage the lump towards the nipple while feeding
• use a warm compress before feeds
• check the latch and try different feeding positions

A blocked duct usually eases within a few days. If a lump stays longer, keeps growing, or becomes red, hot and painful with fever, it can be mastitis or an abscess and needs a doctor the same day. A lump that is still there after you have stopped breastfeeding also needs a check. Our breastfeeding tips for new moms has more help with feeding.

Know your normal

You do not need to follow a strict self-exam schedule. What helps most is breast awareness: knowing how your breasts usually look and feel, so you notice when something changes. Look in the mirror now and then, and feel your breasts and armpits in the shower or lying down, using the flat of your fingers. If anything feels new or different, get it checked. After menopause, regular screening matters too; see our post-menopausal health screening checklist.

When to see a gynaecologist

Book a visit soon, ideally within a couple of weeks, if:

• you find any new lump in your breast or armpit
• a lump has not gone after your next period
• you notice skin dimpling, a nipple turning inwards or bloody nipple discharge
• one breast has changed in size or shape
• you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer and notice any change

Go to a doctor the same day if:

• a lump is red, hot and painful, especially with fever or chills
• you are breastfeeding and feel unwell with a painful, swollen area
• a painful swelling is getting bigger quickly

How a doctor checks a breast lump

A gynaecologist or breast specialist will ask about your cycle, any pain and your family history, then examine both breasts and armpits. Depending on your age and what they find, they may suggest:

• Breast ultrasound: often the first test in younger women; it shows whether a lump is solid or filled with fluid.
• Mammogram: a breast X-ray, more often used in women over 40.
• Needle test or biopsy: a small sample of the lump is taken to look at under a microscope. This is the only way to be sure what a solid lump is.

Many harmless lumps only need watching. Some, like a large or growing fibroadenoma, may be removed with a small surgery. If something more serious is found, finding it early makes treatment simpler.

Questions women ask

What does a breast lump mean?

A breast lump is any spot that feels different from the rest of your breast. Most are harmless, such as a fibroadenoma, a cyst or a blocked duct. Because a few can be serious, every new lump should be checked by a doctor, who can tell you what it is.

Is a breast lump with pain less worrying?

Painful lumps are often cysts, blocked ducts or infection, but pain alone does not rule anything in or out. Whether a lump hurts or not, if it is new, get it examined. A red, hot, painful lump with fever needs a doctor the same day.

I found a breast lump after my period. What should I do?

Breasts are usually least lumpy a few days after a period, so a lump you feel then is worth taking seriously. It may still be harmless, like a cyst. Book a visit with a gynaecologist, who can examine you and suggest an ultrasound if needed.

Why do I have a breast lump after delivery?

After delivery, a tender lump is often a blocked milk duct as your breasts adjust to feeding. Feeding often and gentle massage usually ease it within days. If it stays, grows, or becomes red and hot with fever, see a doctor promptly.

Can a breast lump go away on its own?

Some can. Lumps linked to your cycle, small cysts and blocked ducts often settle by themselves. But you should not assume a lump will go away. Have a doctor check it first, and they will tell you whether watching it is safe.