Breast Cancer Self-Checks
Understanding the Feel of Breast Tissue
Breast tissue contains fat, milk ducts, lobules (where milk is made), and connective tissue for support. It is normal for breasts to feel lumpy or tender, especially before a period. These changes usually happen because of extra fluid from hormones.
Everyone’s breasts feel a little different. The left and right side might not be exactly the same. Breast tissue also changes during pregnancy, menopause, or with hormone therapy. Swelling, tenderness, or mild lumps often come and go.
Get familiar with how your own breast tissue feels during a breast self-exam (BSE). This helps you notice any new or unusual changes like a lump, thickened area, or other signs. Lumps can develop in the breast or armpit area, so check all around both regions.
| Major breast tissue parts | Description |
|---|---|
| Fat | Soft and makes up most of the breast. |
| Lobules | Small sacs that create milk when breastfeeding. |
| Milk ducts | Tubes that carry milk to the nipple. |
| Connective tissue | Holds the breast’s shape and supports other tissues. |
Pay attention to changes in size, shape, or texture to help spot early signs of breast cancer. These changes might include a hard lump, thickening, skin changes, or redness
When to Reach Out to a Healthcare Provider
Knowing what is typical for your breasts makes it easier to find anything different. Contact a healthcare provider if you have:
- A new lump or thick spot that feels different from the rest of your breast or from the other side.
- Swelling or a change in the size or shape of a breast.
- Pain that stays after your period has ended.
- Skin changes such as itching, scaling, dimpling, puckering, or redness.
- An inverted nipple (one that turns inward) that was not like that before.
- Liquid or discharge coming from the nipple.
Some of these symptoms may have other causes, but a provider can check to rule out early signs of breast cancer. If you notice anything new or unusual, even after a normal mammogram, make an appointment as soon as possible. Stay alert for these warning signs during your regular self-examinations:
| Warning Sign | Possible Meaning |
|---|---|
| New, hard lump | May be a cyst, benign lump, or cancer. |
| Skin dimpling or puckering | Could signal changes inside breast. |
| Red or warm skin | Can be from infection or inflammation. |
| Nipple change or discharge | Needs evaluation. |
What Happens During a Professional Breast Check
A doctor, nurse, or other trained healthcare professional performs a clinical breast exam. This exam usually includes these steps:
- Medical History: The healthcare provider asks about symptoms, risk for breast cancer, and any family history of cancer, including breast, ovarian, or other related cancers.
- Visual Check: The provider looks at both breasts and underarms for shape, size, symmetry, or skin changes.
- Physical Exam: The provider uses their fingers to feel for lumps, thick areas, or abnormalities in the breast and armpit.
- Nipple Assessment: The provider checks for inversion of the nipple or any fluid coming out.
If the provider finds a lump or an unusual change, they may suggest further testing. Share any symptoms, family history, and concerns during the exam.
Ways to Examine Breast Lumps
If you or your provider find a lump or area of concern, further tests help determine what it is. Common tests include:
Imaging Tests
- Diagnostic Mammogram: Special X-rays from multiple angles help spot areas that look unusual.
- Breast Ultrasound: Sound waves create pictures to show if a lump is solid or filled with fluid (like a cyst).
- Breast MRI: Uses a magnet and radio waves for more detailed images. Sometimes a dye helps show the tissues clearly.
Biopsies
If imaging finds a suspicious area, a biopsy checks for cancer cells. Types include:
| Biopsy Type | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Fine-needle aspiration | A thin needle removes a small sample of fluid or tissue. |
| Core needle biopsy | A larger needle removes a core of breast tissue. |
| Stereotactic biopsy | X-rays taken from different angles guide the needle. |
| Vacuum-assisted biopsy | A vacuum device collects small tissue samples. |
| Surgical excision | A surgeon removes all or part of the lump. |
A small marker may be placed at the biopsy site to help with follow-up images or surgery later if needed. The lab checks the tissue, and your provider shares results and next steps. Common reasons for these procedures:
- To find out if a lump is cancer, a cyst, or a benign growth.
- To decide if surgery or treatment is needed.
- To check for early signs of breast cancer even if you have no symptoms.
Steps After the Breast Lump Is Checked
After checking a lump or breast change, follow-up depends on the results.
If the Lump Is Benign (Not Cancer)
- The provider may suggest more frequent exams or additional imaging in the next year.
- You may be asked to return in 2-3 months for re-examination.
- If you notice new symptoms, report them right away.
If the Findings Are Unclear
- Sometimes, imaging or biopsies do not provide a definite answer.
- You may see a specialist, such as a breast surgeon, for more tests.
- Another round of imaging or biopsy could be needed if symptoms remain or change.
If the Lump Is Cancer
- The provider helps you choose the best treatment.
- Treatment could include surgery, medicine, or other therapies.
- Care decisions depend on the type, size, and spread of the tumor, as well as your health.
Always report any new lumps or changes to your provider, even after a normal mammogram or check-up. Sometimes changes can be subtle or develop after a recent healthy exam. Follow-up plans may include:
- Regular clinical breast exams.
- Repeat imaging (like mammograms or ultrasounds).
- Communication with specialized care teams.
