Lump in a breast or change in the size or shape of a breast

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Lump in a breast or change in the size or shape of a breast

Most breast tissue has some lumps or thick tissue. When in doubt about a particular lump, check your other breast. If you find the same kind of lump in the same area on the other breast, both breasts are probably normal. Be alert for a lump that feels much harder than the rest of the breast.

Women may have many kinds of breast lumps and other breast changes throughout their lives, including changes that occur with menstrual periods, pregnancy, and aging. Most breast lumps and breast changes are normal and do not represent breast cancer. Breast changes are most often seen in women ages 35 to 50.

It is normal for changes in breast tissue to occur as a woman ages. This is called generalized breast lumpiness or fibrocystic breast changes. These changes in the breasts include:

• Swelling and tenderness of the breasts at the same time each month, usually just before the start of your menstrual period.
• Lumpiness in both breasts that can be felt in the area around the nipple and in the upper, outer part of the breast. Lumpiness may become more apparent as you near middle age and the milk-producing tissue of your breasts is replaced by soft, fatty tissue. This type of lumpiness goes away after menopause unless you are taking hormone replacement therapy.
• Increased thickness or denseness of the breast tissue.

Swelling, lumpiness, or increased thickness or denseness in a breast may change the size or shape of a breast.

Every woman should be aware of new breast changes. If you have found a new breast lump or change in the size and shape of your breast, a visit to a health professional is needed to check these changes.

Credits

Last updated:	November 03, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer