Prof. Dr. Sezai AydınPROF. DR. SEZAI AYDINGeneral Surgery Turkey
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Is every palpable lump in the breast cancerous?

Is every palpable lump in the breast cancerous?

A breast mass is the term used for all lesions that occupy space in the breast and can be detected through physical examination or imaging methods, regardless of whether they are benign or malignant.

Is every lump in the breast cancer?

The masses detected in the breast are either self-discovered by the patient, noticed during a doctor's examination, or identified through imaging methods.

Not every detected mass in the breast is cancerous. The majority of detected masses in the breast are benign, with a significant portion being solid lesions called fibroadenomas and cysts filled with fluid.
Since not every detected mass in the breast is cancerous, it is essential to examine them through both physical examination and imaging methods, and suspicious masses should undergo biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. After a conclusive diagnosis, appropriate treatment or follow-up should be pursued.

The Symptoms of Cancerous Mass in the Breast

The masses in the breast may potentially be cancerous, often presenting as palpable lumps or lesions detected through imaging methods.

If a palpable lump contains cancer cells, distinguishing it from a normal lump and making a diagnosis is not possible through examination and imaging methods alone. Therefore, when there is suspicion during examination or through imaging methods, a biopsy must be performed to establish a definitive diagnosis.

If the breast lump is cancerous and has grown, it may be identified during examination as firm masses. If it is close to the skin, it can cause dimpling in the breast skin and an appearance resembling orange peel, indicative of advanced-stage breast cancer. If it is close to the chest wall, it can be identified as firm masses that do not move (fixed) and may create indentations in the chest wall as they progress into the chest muscle.

How to Determine if a Breast Lump is Cancerous?

The majority of palpable breast lumps are identified as benign masses. However, when these masses are evaluated as suspicious after examination and imaging methods, a core needle biopsy (Tru-Cut biopsy) is performed to confirm the diagnosis through pathological examination.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, if the mass is cancerous, the necessary surgical treatment is initiated; if not, regular follow-ups are continued.

What to Do If There Is a Lump in the Breast?

Breast lumps can be identified by the patient, the physician, or through imaging methods.

If the patient has noticed the lump, it is essential to consult a physician to determine whether further examinations or a biopsy are necessary for monitoring the lump. It should be noted that not every lump in the breast is cancerous, but it requires monitoring and follow-up by a physician.

Can a Lump in the Breast Turn into Cancer?

The majority of breast lumps are benign. Cysts, which make up the majority of these lumps, do not have the potential to transform into cancer. However, although the likelihood is very low, there is a possibility of cancer transformation in other types of breast masses. Therefore, every lump in the breast should be taken seriously, evaluated by a physician, and undergo necessary examinations.

Update Date: 29.03.2025
Assoc. Prof. Dr Sezai Aydın
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Prof. Dr. Sezai Aydın
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Assoc. Prof. Dr Sezai AydınProf. Dr. Sezai AydınGeneral Surgery Turkey
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