Here Is What You Need to Do If You Feel an Unusual Lump in Your Breast

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Whatever your gender, make sure to frequently examine your breasts for any lumps. Men can have a noncancerous condition called gynecomastia if they feel tender breast enlargement with a lump under the nipple in one breast or both. Whatever your preferred pronoun is, if you do feel a lump in your breast, don’t panic but do schedule an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible. Do not let a pandemic scare you from taking proper precautions with your health. Here are a few more suggestions of what to do after sensing a lump where it shouldn’t be on or near your breast.

 

Don’t Worry if You Feel a Change in Your Breast or Underarm

For some people, their first instinct will be to worry but worrying causes stress which can lead to all kinds of physical and mental maladies, so take a deep breath and take comfort in knowing that most lumps, about eighty percent of the time, are not breast cancer. The folks behind https://www.bedfordbreastcenter.com/minimally-invasive-lumpectomy/ note that some lumps in younger women can be attributed to their menstrual periods and disappear as soon as their cycle ends while other lumps often referred to as benign breast conditions such as a cyst or fibroadenoma will often simply vanish on their own. All that good news doesn’t mean you should take the harsh reality of finding a lump under your arm or breast lightly. Always err on the side of caution and see your health care provider as soon as possible. Failing to do so can be a deadly mistake.

Early Detection is Most Important in Recovery

Identifying breast abnormalities as early as possible for early detection of breast cancer through screening exams allows for more treatment options to be prescribed by your healthcare provider and gives you a better chance for survival if breast cancer is detected.  Studies show that patients diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage have a ninety-three percent or higher chance of survival in the first five years of detection. Before visiting a doctor do your research on the internet or local library and visit a website that can provide clear and valuable information regarding how early breast cancer detection can save your life. Make sure to write down a list of questions to ask your health care provider during your visit that will put you at ease and provide the Doctor with useful information regarding your condition. 

What if you Don’t Have Insurance or a Health Care Provider?

If you don’t have a private doctor or family physician call your health department, a clinic, or a nearby hospital or get a referral from a trusted family member or friend who may know of breast cancer charities. Planned Parenthood can provide resources, or you can visit your local library and search the internet for recommendations.

What May Happen at the Doctor’s Appointment?

The doctor or nurse may ask questions about your health history before performing a breast exam to feel for lumps or other changes in the breast tissue and under your arms. Your doctor may order a test called a biopsy wherein a tiny sample of the lump will be removed using a needle or with a small cut that can then be sent to a lab for proper examination. Your health care provider may also require a mammogram or ultrasound to verify if the lump is filled with fluid or solid. If fluids are coming out of your nipple, the doctor will most likely order blood tests, so he can check your hormone levels. The Doctor or nurse may also collect a sample of whatever liquid is flowing out of your nipple, so they can check for any abnormal cells in your body. 

 

 

In conclusion, if after visiting your doctor you are diagnosed with breast cancer, women with smaller cancers or large breasts should ask their health care provider if they are a candidate for a minimally invasive lumpectomy. The breast cancer lumpectomy preserves breast tissue and largely avoids the need for breast reconstruction. The tumor, along with additional surrounding tissue, is removed to ensure the elimination of all breast cancer cells. The surgery is done cosmetically by using incisions in discreet places, resulting in minimal scarring. After all, is said and done make sure to frequently examine your breasts for any lumps and consult with a doctor if you feel an unusual lump.