Breast Lumps

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Breast Lumps

Question:

I continually find lumps in my breast during self-exams. I have had mammograms and the lumps have not been cancerous. Why do I keep developing these lumps? Is there anything I could do or take to stop them from forming?

Answer:

Breasts contain glands so they can naturally form lumps. Some women form more lumps than others. If you have this tendency, you are said to have "fibrocystic breasts."

Limiting caffeine seems to lessen the lumpiness of breasts somewhat, but the difference is not dramatic.

If you have lumps as a normal part of your breast exam, you have an added challenge when it comes to self-breast exams for the early detection of cancer. Continue to tell your doctor about any lumps you feel, particularly if any feel unusually firm or irregular in shape.

Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.

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Last updated:	July 20, 2009

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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