Breast Problems: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

Do you have a lump in your breast or change in the size or shape of a breast?

See significance of a lump or change in the size or shape of a breast if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

Women: If you are still having menstrual periods, it may be appropriate to wait through one menstrual cycle to see whether your breast changes return to normal.
Men: It is very common for young men entering puberty to have smooth, round lumps or "breast buds" under the nipple. These occur because of rapid changes in hormone levels (gynecomastia). These lumps are not dangerous and usually disappear in a few months.

: You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes
Yes
Yes

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

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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

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