What is the next step after finding a lump?
If you find a lump, see your doctor right away.
If you notice anything unusual about your breast, have
it examined. Even though most breast lumps are
benign, they need to be checked to rule out cancer.
Your doctor will examine you and if
necessary, send you to a specialist
who will be able to see on your mammogram or
ultrasound if the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid lump.
If it is a cyst, they may get rid of it by
draining it through a fine needle. If it is a
solid lump, they will stick a very fine needle
into it and take a tissue sample to test for cancer cells.
Some women prefer to have benign lumps
removed to relieve their worry. They
may be concerned that they will confuse them with any
other lumps they may develop in the future. But if you
and your doctor are confident that the lump is benign, you do
not even have to have it removed if you do not
want to. Benign lumps don't turn into cancer.
If your lump is a cancer, the earlier the treatment
for breast cancer, the better your chance of cure.
