My Doctor Detected a Lump in My Breast — Now What?

Breast lumps are unsettling. Whether you found it during a breast self-exam at home or your doctor found it during a routine exam, the realization that something isn’t right can be scary — but don’t panic.

Feeling a breast lump does NOT mean you have cancer. Of all the breast lumps detected, only about 10% end up being cancerous.

Our experienced physicians at Prime Choice Family Clinic & Urgent Care team in Frisco, Texas, care deeply for women facing health issues. Our comprehensive women’s health services provide expert care, the most advanced technology, and the latest information. If you have a breast lump, we have you covered.

Here, we explain everything you need to know following the detection of a breast lump. 

Not all lumps are bad

Breasts might look perfectly smooth and round from the outside, but if you give them a squeeze or a firm press, you’ll quickly realize that your breasts aren’t so flawless.

There’s a lot going on inside your breasts. Just below the surface of your skin are muscles, milk ducts, and other breast tissue that make your breasts feel lumpy and bumpy. 

So, if you give yourself a breast exam and notice some unevenness, don’t panic. You’re likely feeling healthy parts of a healthy breast. In fact, some women have lumpier breasts than others. 

A good rule of thumb is if you can feel the lumpiness throughout your breast, there’s no cause to worry. However, that doesn’t mean you should skip your visits with our women’s health experts for a professional breast exam. 

Lumps that concern us (and what we do about them)

If we (or you) feel a lump or bump in your breast that’s harder or different from the rest of your breast, or if we detect a concerning change in your breast tissue, we typically suspect one of two things: a benign breast change, such as a cyst or fibroadenoma or breast cancer. 

Your next step is to see a specialist for a mammogram. 

Meet the mammogram

A mammogram is a type of low-radiation X-ray examination designed specifically for breasts. It can detect abnormal breast tissue, benign tumors, and cysts. It’s important to note that a mammogram can’t tell if a lump is cancerous — only a biopsy can do that — but it can alert us to signs that prompt us to look closer. 

For instance, cysts have smooth walls and are often filled with fluid. Cancerous growths are harder, rougher, and more solid. We can only gather these details with a mammogram. 

During your mammogram, you stand in front of an X-ray machine and place your breast on a flat plate. Another plate slowly lowers down to carefully compress your breast and spread out your breast tissues. 

If you haven’t had any breast issues up until now or you’re under 40 years old, this may be your first encounter with mammograms. Moving forward, expect annual mammograms starting at around age 40-45. Once you hit 55, you can opt to have mammograms every other year. 

After your mammogram

Unless your mammogram results rule out anything of concern, you’ll likely need to have a biopsy. If you also have fluid or discharge from your nipple, we may test your blood to assess your hormone levels and check for abnormal cells. 

The results of those tests drive your treatment plan, which often involves other specialists, especially if you have cancerous growth. 

Discovering a lump in your breast is concerning, but it doesn’t always mean something serious. When you partner with us at Prime Choice Family Clinic & Urgent Care, you have access to the best care possible in our office and with our extensive network of specialists. 

If you have any other questions about your upcoming appointment or recent exam results, call 214-550-0911 or book an appointment online at Prime Choice Family Clinic & Urgent Care to get the help you need today.