Breast Cancer: When To Call A Doctor

Content provided by Healthwise

When To Call a Doctor

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump. But, early breast cancer is often found on a mammogram before a lump can be felt. Other breast problems that need to be evaluated by a doctor include:

• A thickening in the breast or armpit.
• A change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Changes in the skin of the breast, such as a dimple or skin that looks like an orange peel.
• A change in the nipple, such as scaling of the skin, a nipple that turns in, or discharge or bleeding.
• A change in the color or feel of the skin around the nipple.

Any breast lump in an adult male is considered abnormal and needs to be evaluated by a doctor.^{6 7}

Watchful Waiting

If you notice any changes in your breasts, call your doctor to arrange for an evaluation.

Who To See

Health professionals who can perform a breast exam include a:

• Family medicine doctor.
• General practitioner.
• Gynecologist.
• Internist.
• General surgeon or a surgeon who specializes in diseases of the breast.
• Nurse practitioner.
• Physician assistant.

Mammograms are usually read by radiologists.

You may see a general surgeon, a breast surgeon, or a radiologist if further evaluation of a breast problem is needed.

Breast cancer is treated by surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	August 31, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
Editors:	Cynthia Tank, Pat Truman, MATC