Definitions
Breast lump
When to make a doctor’s appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Firm, fixed, or different from other breast tissue
- Persists beyond four to six weeks
- Nipple discharge or skin changes, such as redness, crusting, dimpling, or puckering
- Nipple is turned inward and isn't normally positioned that way
- Enlarging lumps in the armpit
- Persistent thickening of breast
Description
A growth in the breast that could look or feel different from the tissue around it.
Self-care
If an infection called mastitis causes a breast lump that's painful while breastfeeding, it can help to change feeding positions. Extra fluids and rest also may help.
When to seek immediate medical care
See a health care professional right away if a breast lump grows or happens with:
- Fever or chills.
- Breast tenderness, swelling or warmth.
- Pain or a burning feeling in the breast.
When to make a doctor's appointment
See a health care professional about any breast lump, especially if:
- The lump feels firm or fixed.
- It doesn't go away after 4 to 6 weeks.
- It changes in size or starts to feel different.
- An area of skin on the breast changes color, dimples or puckers.
- A nipple turns inward or releases unusual or bloody fluid.
- A lump in the armpit forms or seems to get bigger.
