Many people who discover a breast lump confide in a friend or family member before talking to their doctor. They may be told that if a breast lump hurts or is sore, it probably isn’t cancer. To find out whether this urban legend holds any truth, we checked with Beth Overmoyer, MD, FACP, of Dana-Farber’s Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers.
If a lump in the breast does not feel sore or tender, does that mean it isn’t cancer?
Between 2 and 7 percent of patients with a painful lump in their breast will be diagnosed with breast cancer. A lump is usually hard or firm compared with surrounding breast tissue. The presence of pain should not be reassuring — anyone who notices a new lump in her (or his) breast should contact a doctor.
Does breast cancer hurt?
It’s unclear why some breast cancers are painful and others aren’t, but pain is not an indication of cancer being more or less aggressive. The most likely reason is that the cancer is irritating the nerves within the breast, but the true cause isn’t known.
If you can move the lump around, does that mean it isn’t cancer?
Early detected breast cancer is often “mobile,” meaning that it can be moved within the breast tissue. This is actually a good sign, because cancerous lumps that are “fixed” to the skin of the breast or the chest wall are often associated with a more advanced cancer that has involved other parts of the breast, not just the fatty tissue. Mobile breast lumps have a greater chance of being surgically removed, and you should bring them to your doctor’s attention immediately.
How often should I perform a self-exam?
Dana-Farber does not recommend relying solely on self-exams to find early-stage cancer. Your doctor should perform breast exams at your annual physical. It’s important to discuss your risk for breast cancer with your doctor and make a plan for prevention — and mammograms — together.
When to worry about a breast lump
The best way to truly solve any anxiety or worry you have about a breast lump is to have the lump examined by a medical professional. They will be able to determine the cause. Remember that the majority of breast lumps end up being benign, but it is still very important to have a professional give you a definitive answer.
For more information about breast cancer research and treatment, visit Dana-Farber’s Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers website.
About the Medical Reviewer
Dr. Overmoyer launched the Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Program at DF/BWCC in 2009, where she continues to serve as the principal investigator of many IBC research programs and clinical trials. She began her oncology career in 1989 at the University of Pennsylvania, where she trained in breast cancer and also participated in a major study in inflammatory breast cancer. She went on to develop the breast cancer program at the Cleveland Clinic and later developed two National Cancer Institute-sponsored studies on angiogenesis inhibitors and inflammatory breast cancer.
I am new here and have to ask this question: Long time ago I was intimate with this guy who unfortunately rough housed a bit to much on my breast. The next day it both centers of the boobs were black and blue. Weeks later they went away and my centers were a normal color. I never had pain until now. I got a Dysplasia Nevi removed from my right arm. I know have pain in my right breast that has been going on way before the removal. GP said it is normal to have lumpy breast being that I am very big DD. Getting a Mammogram done August 3rd Boston MA. I don’t have much money bought a puppy, work for my sister taking care of my nephew getting paid but i really can’t afford additional health issues. Do you think it was the fact that I never saw the Dr after the guy dating time and perhaps it got really damaged inside. Are we talking Fatty Deposits or Cancer?
Dear Lee–We are sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best for you to discuss your symptoms with your doctor — he/she will be able to give you the best advice.Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/understandingyourdiagnosis/examsandtestdescriptions/forwomenfacingabreastbiopsy/breast-biopsy-benign-breast-conditions. We wish you all the best.
Hi I am a 35 yr old mama of 4 surgically post menopausal. 6 months ago I found a lump went to the dr who felt it also it was causing me pain and I hv a family history of cancers. I did go to a mammogram and ultrasound. They found linear calcifications in my right side but didn’t see anything on ultrasound. Told me I had dense breasts and sent me to a breast surgeon who told me since they didn’t have tests previous to the mammogram and ultrasound to come back in six months reduce caffeine get good support and try ibuprofen. I did that for six months. I am still having pain in very specific areas of both breasts now. I do not have cyst s . I went back to my original doc the other day who told me I am not crazy and she feels it also. We have rescheduled another mammogram and diagnostic ultrasound this week. I just want pain to go away. Everything I read or hear is that breast cancer doesn’t cause pain but since the pain gets worse and I feel like I am constantly fighting the flu (without the vomiting) I am a bit worried that when I take those tests back to the actual breast surgeon ( who didn’t feel the lump in the first place) that he would tell me to check back again in 6 months. I just want my energy and life back I don’t want to feel so run down and in pain. I don’t care what it is or isn’t I just want it gone. I don’t cycle and I do monthly self examines, I know my body and the tissue has changed. My hysterectomy was many years ago . I don’t take meds and I was pretty healthy otherwise up til six months ago. My question is if the surgeon doesn’t off to biopsy my breast can I request that he does ? Should I be going to someone else if he doesn’t listen. He looks at me and because I am young he just attributed it to maybe too much caffeine. I did everything he told me to do to the letter and the pain is still there it doesn’t move! After a very gentle breast examine by a doctor I am in bed for three days in pain and sick to my stomach not from stress but pain. Is that normal? I don’t have insurance and I am going thru a county clinic should I be asking for a second opinion or seeing someone else?
Dear D –We are sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best for you to discuss your symptoms with your doctor — he/she will be able to give you the best advice. If you are still worried after speaking with your doctor, you can request a second opinion. If you’re interested in a second opinion at Dana-Farber, and you’re able to come to Boston to meet with our treatment team, please call 877-442-DFCI (877-442-3324) or fill out this online appointment request form: https://www.dana-farber.org/apps/request-an-appointment.aspxIf you aren’t able to travel to Boston, Dana-Farber offers a program called Online Specialty Consults, which allows patients and physicians to confer with our specialists online about second opinions, treatment options, or clinical trials. You will need to involve your local physician, who will register with the service and complete a patient history. One of our specialists, who will be chosen depending on your particular medical background, will review your case and then send a consultation report back to your physician.These links provide an overview of the process:http://www.dana-farber.org/Partners-Online-Specialty-Consultations.aspxhttps://econsults.partners.org/v2/%28jwewk42ud2zpsevdo4p1l545%29/Tour/1.htmlWe hope this is helpful. Wishing you all the best.
I’m 22 years old, with a secondary family history of breast cancer (my aunts, one survivor…. one caught it too late). I found a lump about 3 months ago, it’s increased in size slightly enough to notice it. I’m one of the many Americans dealing with not being medically insured and have tried finding a free clinic to no luck. Mamovan hasn’t returned my call. I’m wondering if size increase and pain is significantly a concern. I recognize the concern of it lasting more than a menstrual cycle, but my iud has left me periodless and I’m wondering if , even with the lack of hormone IUD, if it’s possible that the lack of period effects it’s continued attendance. The first doctor visit is beyond my budget right now, is there any options you know of? -worried in Las Vegas.
Dear Mariah —
We are sorry to hear about your health concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) that provides breast cancer screenings to low-income, uninsured or under-insured women across the United States. Their website has a list of free and/or low-cost screenings in each state: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm
Unfortunately, we cannot give out specific medical advice over this blog, but we hope that this resource is helpful. Wishing you all the best.
Hey I’m only 19 years old. I’ve recently been having really bad pain in my left shoulder (in the front) and sore pains in my left breast. I’ve done a self exam and I felt a little tiny hard bump but I don’t have health insurance to go get it looked at. I was wondering if it could be nothing or if I should be concerned. I looked into it a little and I read about swollen lymph nodes and all that. How long do they stay swollen if that could be a possibility of what it is? Are there any other symptoms to breast cancer?
Dear Katherine —
We are so sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out specific medical advice on this blog. Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) that provides breast cancer screenings to low-income, uninsured or under-insured women across the United States. Their website has a list of free and/or low-cost screenings in each state: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm
We hope this is helpful. Wishing you all the best.
i’m only 14 years old so i’m pretty sure i don’t have breast cancer but i have read that it is possible. On my right breast just next to the nipple i have a very small almost sharp lump that hurts even when not touching or pressing it. What could this be?
Dear Ava–
We are sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best for you and your parents to discuss your symptoms with your doctor — he/she will be able to give you the best advice.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps. We wish you all the best.
I found a lump in my breast a month ago and it hurts I don’t know if it would be cancer since it hurts.
Dear Tabitha —
We are sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best for you to discuss your symptoms with your doctor — he/she will be able to give you the best advice.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps. We wish you all the best.
Hi I am 13. I have been doing lots of research on breast cancer. A couple mouths ago I have noticed a weird tiny lump in my left breast underneath my nipple. I thought it was just because I am still growing so I ignored it. My nipples would sometimes turn red, feel hot, and hurt. I ignored it. Me nipple to the circle around it with bumps is big enough to be cupped in my hands fully. I don’t know if it is because it’s swollen or if it grew that size but one thing I do know is that it has been like that for a little less than a year. It bother me that they were like that but didn’t think of it as anything bad. But about a week ago I took off my bra and noticed a dry brownish/yellow spot on the left cup. I did some research and learned that you can get nipple discharge when on your period and I just got my period for the mouth a day before that. So again I ignored it. Five day later, I woke up this morning for school and had pain in my left breast. I was still on my period so I knew it was common for girls to have sensitive breast during that time of month. I never had breast pain before so this got me I little worried. When I got home from school, I took off my bra because it was bothering me. That’s is when I notice another stop in my left cup, this time it was not dry. I checked my left breast and felt that the lump was A LOT BIGGER than before. I squeezed it to see what it felt like and a little bit above it yellowy/green liquid came out from one of those bumps around your nipple. I squeezed the liquid out and in the process found another spot where liquid came out above my nipple. After I squeezed out all the liquid I discovered that it wasn’t from the lump. The lump was still the same shape and didn’t decrease in size. Please help!!
Dear Katie —
We’re sorry to hear about your recent health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email and it is best for you and/or your parents to discuss your concerns with your doctor — your doctor will be able to give you the best advice.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/understandingyourdiagnosis/examsandtestdescriptions/forwomenfacingabreastbiopsy/breast-biopsy-benign-breast-conditions
Wishing you all the best.
Im 15 years old and just today I noticed a bump and it sore and hurts under my right nipple should I go to the doctor
Dear Alexa —
I’m sorry to hear about your recent health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email and it is best to discuss your concerns with your doctor when you can, as he/she can give you the best advice.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps. I wish you all the best.