If you find a breast lump or notice a change in your breast, you’ll probably feel alarmed. But most breast changes are not cancer. They are often caused by common, non-cancerous conditions that are treatable or go away on their own.
Nova Foster, MD, a breast surgeon and medical director with Banner – University Medicine, explained more about what’s normal and what isn’t, so you know when to monitor your symptoms and when to get checked.
What kinds of breast changes are common?
Your breasts can change throughout your life because of hormones, age, weight changes, your menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It’s common to notice differences in your breast size, shape, tenderness or density over time.
Common breast changes include:
- Lumps or thickened areas
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Changes in size or shape
- Nipple discharge
- Skin changes like redness or dimpling
Common non-cancer causes of breast lumps
You might notice breast lumps for several reasons.
- Breast cysts: Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can feel smooth, round or tender. They may change with your menstrual cycle, and they often come and go.
- Fibroadenomas: Fibroadenomas are solid, non-cancerous lumps that usually feel firm and movable. They are more common in younger women but women who get them may have them for life.
- Fat necrosis: Fat necrosis can happen after an injury, surgery or other trauma to the breast. It can feel like a firm lump. With fat necrosis, you may need imaging to confirm that it’s not cancer.
Other non-cancer causes of breast symptoms
Other conditions can cause non-cancerous breast changes:
- Hormonal changes can cause pain or swelling
- Infection like mastitis can cause redness, pain and inflammation
- Exercise, sexual activity or a hot shower can cause nipple discharge
- Some medications can cause breast changes
What’s considered normal, and what’s not
It’s normal to notice some breast changes, especially before your menstrual period or other times when your hormones change. It’s common to have:
- Mild tenderness
- Lumps that change with your cycle
- Occasional discomfort, which is common and is almost never a sign of breast cancer when the breast exam and imaging are normal
These changes may be more concerning and you should have them checked:
- A new lump that does not go away
- Pain that stays in one spot
- Clear, watery nipple discharge without an explanation, especially from just one breast
- Bloody nipple discharge
- Skin changes like dimpling or thickening
When should you get a breast lump checked?
You should pay attention to any new lump or breast change, even though most of the time it is not cancer. Getting checked doesn’t mean something serious is wrong. It means you’re getting answers.
You should get a breast lump or change checked if:
- It is new or feels different from your usual pattern
- It doesn’t get better over time
- It lasts through one menstrual cycle (if you’re postmenopausal, you shouldn’t wait to get checked)
- It comes with skin changes like swelling, redness or dimpling
- It feels hard
- It doesn’t move because it’s stuck to the skin or the chest
- You have concerns about breast cancer because of your personal or family history
Dr. Foster pointed out that men can also have changes in their breast tissue. Men should get checked if they have pain, nipple discharge or a lump.
How doctors evaluate breast changes
“The history and pattern of symptoms can be very helpful when evaluating breast changes,” Dr. Foster said.
Your health care provider will usually:
- Ask questions about when the change started, whether it follows a pattern for you and whether there are other symptoms
- Perform a clinical breast exam to check the breast for lumps or other issues
From there, they may recommend imaging like a mammogram or ultrasound. Imaging helps providers look more closely and decide whether you should have any other testing.
Even if you need imaging or testing, many breast findings turn out to be non-cancerous.
Why early evaluation matters
Getting checked early can help rule out serious conditions, give you peace of mind and get treatment started sooner if needed.
The bottom line on non-cancerous breast lumps
Many breast lumps and changes are not cancer but it’s still important to pay attention to your body. If something feels new or different, getting it checked can help you feel less worried and find answers.
If you have symptoms that are not getting better or do not feel right, a Banner Health provider can evaluate what’s causing them and help you get the care you need.
FAQs about breast lumps and changes
Are most breast lumps cancer?
No. Most are benign (non-cancerous).
Do breast cysts go away on their own?
Many do, especially if they are related to hormones.
Should I worry about breast pain?
Pain is common and unlikely to be a sign of breast cancer.
When should I see a doctor for a breast lump?
If it's new, persistent or different from your usual pattern.
