Breast
Breast lump
A new lump, thickening or change in the breast — which is most often a benign change such as a cyst, hormonal lumpiness or infection, but which must always be assessed promptly because a lump can be the first sign of breast cancer.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of breast lump and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is breast lump?
Finding a lump in the breast is understandably frightening, and although most breast lumps turn out to be harmless, the golden rule is that any new lump or change must be checked, because a lump can be the first sign of breast cancer. Many lumps are benign: fluid-filled cysts and areas of normal, hormonally driven lumpiness are common, particularly around the time of a period, and an infection such as mastitis can cause a tender, red, swollen area, especially while breastfeeding.
- Get urgent help: Arrange an urgent appointment for any new breast lump, or a lump that is hard, fixed or growing — this needs prompt assessment to exclude breast cancer. Seek urgent assessment for dimpling, puckering or thickening of the breast skin, or a nipple that has newly turned inwards.
- Self-care: Self-care has a limited role here because the priority is always assessment, not watching and waiting.
About breast lump
Finding a lump in the breast is understandably frightening, and although most breast lumps turn out to be harmless, the golden rule is that any new lump or change must be checked, because a lump can be the first sign of breast cancer. Many lumps are benign: fluid-filled cysts and areas of normal, hormonally driven lumpiness are common, particularly around the time of a period, and an infection such as mastitis can cause a tender, red, swollen area, especially while breastfeeding. Reassuring features include lumps that come and go with the menstrual cycle, but no feature is reliable enough to dismiss a lump without examination. Just as important as the lump itself are changes in the skin or nipple — dimpling or puckering of the skin, a nipple that has turned inwards, or blood-stained discharge — all of which warrant prompt assessment. Breast changes in men also need checking. The key message is simple: get any new lump or change looked at without delay.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if breast lump comes with any of these warning signs:
- Arrange an urgent appointment for any new breast lump, or a lump that is hard, fixed or growing — this needs prompt assessment to exclude breast cancer.
- Seek urgent assessment for dimpling, puckering or thickening of the breast skin, or a nipple that has newly turned inwards.
- Seek urgent assessment for blood-stained or unusual discharge from the nipple, or a rash, redness or scaling around the nipple.
- Get checked for swelling, a lump or thickening in the armpit, or a breast lump in a man.
- Seek same-day advice if a breast becomes hot, red and swollen with fever, suggesting an infection that needs treatment.
When to see a doctor
Any new breast lump or change should be assessed promptly — do not wait to see if it goes away. Arrange an urgent appointment for a new lump, a lump that is hard or growing, skin dimpling or puckering, a newly inverted nipple, blood-stained nipple discharge, a rash around the nipple, or a lump in the armpit, as these need prompt assessment to exclude breast cancer. A breast lump in a man also needs checking. A hot, red, swollen breast with fever should be seen the same day, as this suggests an infection. Even lumps that feel likely to be harmless still deserve examination so you can be reassured properly.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of breast lump
Breast lump has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
Self-care has a limited role here because the priority is always assessment, not watching and waiting. The most useful thing you can do is get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, so you can notice changes early, and to have any new lump or change checked promptly rather than monitoring it at home. If you have a tender, red, swollen breast with a lump while breastfeeding, continuing to feed or express, warmth and rest can help an early case of mastitis, but you should seek advice quickly if it does not settle or you feel unwell. For everyday cyclical lumpiness and tenderness, a well-fitting supportive bra can ease discomfort — but the lump itself still needs to be assessed first.
Answers
Breast lump: frequently asked questions
Are most breast lumps cancer?
No — most breast lumps are benign, such as cysts, normal hormonal lumpiness or an infection. But because a lump can be the first sign of breast cancer, every new lump or change must be assessed promptly rather than assumed harmless.
What breast changes should I get checked urgently?
Get prompt assessment for any new lump, a hard or growing lump, skin dimpling or puckering, a newly inverted nipple, blood-stained nipple discharge, a rash around the nipple, or a lump in the armpit. A breast lump in a man also needs checking.
My breasts feel lumpy before my period — is that normal?
Cyclical lumpiness and tenderness that change with your menstrual cycle are common and usually benign. Even so, any distinct new lump, or a lump that does not come and go with your cycle, should still be examined to be sure.
Can men get breast lumps?
Yes. Men can develop breast lumps, and although many are benign, a breast lump in a man should always be assessed promptly because breast cancer can occur in men too.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Breast cancer recognition and referral.
- Breast Cancer Now: signs and symptoms.
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