How can I tell if a breast lump is harmless or a sign of cancer?

Question

I recently noticed a small lump in my breast that feels firm but isn’t painful. How can I tell if it’s something harmless like a cyst or fibroadenoma, or if it could be breast cancer?

Dr. Prateek Thakur · Accepted Answer

I completely understand how worrying it can feel to discover a lump in your breast, but please don’t panic, not all lumps are cancerous. In fact, many are harmless conditions like cysts or fibroadenomas, which are quite common, especially in younger women. 
Generally, benign lumps tend to feel smooth, movable, and round, while cancerous lumps are often firm, irregular in shape, and fixed to surrounding tissue. Still, the only way to be sure is to have it checked by a qualified doctor, who will guide you through imaging and tests for a clear diagnosis

How can I tell if a breast lump is harmless or a sign of cancer?

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How can I tell if a breast lump is harmless or a sign of cancer?

Answers (1)

Still have questions?

Still have questions?

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