How is a breast mass detected?

A breast mass refers to all lesions that occupy space in the breast, varying in size from millimeters to centimeters, and can be either painful or painless.

The majority of breast masses are noticed by patients, who then seek medical attention. In a smaller portion of cases, they are discovered during a doctor's examination or through imaging tests conducted on the breast.

Regardless of whether these types of lesions in the breast are benign or malignant, they are all defined as breast masses.

How is a Breast Mass Detected?

The vast majority of breast masses are noticed by patients who then visit a doctor.

Additionally, they can be detected during a doctor's examination or through imaging tests such as ultrasound, mammography, or MRI. It is essential to determine whether these masses are benign or malignant, and after making this distinction, appropriate follow-up or treatment should be arranged.

How Can It Be Determined If a Breast Lump Is Benign?

After the evaluation of breast lumps through examination and diagnostic tests raises suspicion, all suspicious masses must be definitively diagnosed with tissue analysis. The most commonly used methods for this purpose include Tru-Cut biopsy performed under ultrasound guidance or aspiration biopsy for very small lesions, which involves cytological examination. Alternatively, surgical removal with wire localization can be performed, and the excised masses are sent for pathological examination to determine whether they are benign or malignant.

Which Breast Lumps are Dangerous?

A breast lump is considered potentially dangerous if it:

• Feels hard and is adhered to surrounding tissues,
• Causes difficulty in movement,
• Retracts the breast skin,
• Causes distortion in shape and redness,
• Is described as a suspicious lesion in radiological mammography examinations,
• Is evaluated as a suspicious lesion in breast ultrasound, with a biopsy recommended.

Biopsy is essential for such lumps to establish a tissue diagnosis (benign or malignant). Based on the outcome, an appropriate plan for follow-up or treatment should be arranged.

Can a Breast Lump be Detected by Touch?

The majority of breast lumps are described as masses felt by patients or identified by the doctor during a physical examination. In cases of very small-sized lumps that are not palpable, imaging techniques are used to define the breast lump.

How Many Centimeters Does a Breast Lump Need to Be to Be Considered Dangerous?

There is no known correlation between the size of breast lumps and the formation of cancer. In the breast, benign lumps can reach very large sizes, and conversely, malignant lumps can be very small. However, when benign breast lumps exceed a certain size, they may cause changes in the appearance and shape of the breast, necessitating their removal.

There is a mass in my breast, what should I do?

The presence of a mass in the left breast does not signify any specific characteristic. Masses in the breast can occur in either breast, and whether it is on the right or left side doesn't matter. However, regardless of whether it is on the right or left side, it is essential to determine through necessary examinations and evaluations whether the mass is benign or malignant.

There is a mass in the right breast, what should I do?

The presence of a mass in the right breast does not signify any specific characteristic. Masses in the breast can occur in either breast, and whether it is on the right or left side doesn't matter. However, regardless of whether it is on the right or left side, it is essential to determine through necessary examinations and evaluations whether the mass is benign or malignant.

A lump in the breast that causes pain when pressed.

Some breast lumps may be painful, with the majority being formed by infected breast masses or breast cysts. However, not every lump in the breast causes pain. Any lump causing pain in the breast may be either benign or malignant. A doctor's examination is essential for proper evaluation.

If there is a lump in the breast, what should be done?

When a lump is noticed in the breast, it is crucial to consult a physician and undergo necessary tests. However, instead of waiting to detect a lump, regular doctor check-ups and follow-ups should be carried out for annual monitoring and examinations.

Is it important to have the best doctor for a breast lump?

One should definitely consult a General Surgeon since the General Surgery department deals with breast diseases and surgery. Necessary examinations and tests should be conducted. A lump in the breast refers to lesions, whether benign or malignant, occupying space in the breast, and it can be detected either manually or through imaging methods.