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 an 18 year old female. What should I do if I found a hard lump at the very base of my breast?
Hi,
Im 13 years old and one of my breasts is bigger than the other. The bigger one is more painful and feels heavier. I found a lump in each breast and they are not movable. They are painful too. Should i go to the doctor ? If so, do you know if any of the tests will involve needles? I have needlephobia.
I have a lump on right breast for three months and is it normal? What could I do?
Dear Kelby —
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.
I have a lots if lumbs in my both breast since 10 years and it is painfull. When my periods come it becomes more painful and bigger ..i dont able to touch it hardly ..what should i do?
Dear Vibha–
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.
I am 25 years old.i have had breast lumps in both breast since I started growing big breast in 2003 nd it’s there…what should I do..
I have a lump in my left breast. It’s reddish and very painful and I think it’s getting bigger. I’ve seen a doctor who told me that it is possibly a bacterial infection. He told me to take some antibiotics. I’m so afraid that may turn out to be cancer.
Hello, I just found a 2” hard mass/lump in my daughters upper under arm near where the pec and deltoid meet. She does have a cold so i thought it could be a swollen lymph node. I have an Uncle who is a cancer Dr. and he is going to take a look at it on Friday in his house. He had me give her tylenol regularly since I told him last night and measure it and see if it’s changed in a 24 hr period and it stayed the same. What do you think?
Dear Janel —
Thank you for your comment — I’m sorry to hear about your 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.
I’m 17 years old and always have breast pain on my period. They swell, get hard and are very sore. I’ve research this and found it was common. What concerns me is I have a 1 inch hard lump between my breasts. It’s closer to my left breast. It doesn’t move and feels like it’s on a bone. It hurts to touch it. I also have (been there for many years) a very small bump on my areola on my left breast. If I squeeze it, it’s like a pimple but it doesn’t have a head. A little of white stuff comes out but the bump never goes away. Should I be concerned about these symptoms? I have a cold at the moment and am on my period.
Dear Megan —
I’m sorry to hear about your 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.
Hi my name is Karla and i feel like a ball kind of thing in my right breast and it hurts what should I do?
I’m only 13 and all of these symptoms add up to what I have. I am very scared. I don’t know what to do.
Dear Haylee —
I’m sorry to hear about your health concerns. It is best 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. I wish you all the best.