Signs of a Possibly Cancerous Breast Lump
A breast lump is one of the most common signs of breast cancer in females. In general, it is difficult to know you have the disease just by touching or looking at the breast. However, several signs may suggest the presence of cancerous cells. A possibly cancerous breast lump is likely to be painless, hard to touch and have irregular shapes. It does not shrink over time, but keep growing in size. If you notice these symptoms, let it checked by your doctor immediately for a precise diagnosis. Other possible symptoms include swelling, discolored or red skin, pain, changes in shapes or size of the breast, inward-turning nipple, or bloody nipple discharge. When cancerous cells spread to other body parts, you may experience bone pain, shortness of breath, or unexpected weight loss. [3]
Signs of a Benign Breast Lump
Most breast lumps are benign and noncancerous. In general, they tend to have the following features: rubbery, soft, smooth edges, easy to move around with the fingers, painful, tender. These masses may change with the menstrual cycle. In addition, the size is likely to shrink over time. If these characteristics fit your breast lump, then there is no need to worry. However, it is still better to have it examined by your doctor to ensure a precise diagnosis. [4]
