Most breast masses are benign such as fibroadenoma. But most patients and physicians are concerned for possible of breast cancer. There are certain characteristics that are concerning mass for cancer such as single hard, immovable lesion with irregular borders.
If you found any breast mass, I recommend that you see a physician who will obtain your history and do breast examination. The next steps may include ultrasound, mammography and/or biopsy, depending upon the findings from the history and physical examination, patient age and other clinical factors. If your age is less than 30 years old, your breast probably more dense. Thus, your physician may start with ultrasound first. If you are 30 years or older, your breast usually less dense. Then your doctor may order mamogram first.
Do remember that no test or exam is 100 percent accurate. Thus, if you have persistent mass or concern, despite negative test, you should get 2nd or more opinion from other doctors or providers.
Reference:
- The palpable breast lump: information and recommendations to assist decision-making when a breast lump is detected. The Steering Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Care and Treatment of Breast Cancer. Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists. CMAJ. 1998;158 Suppl 3:S3
- Sabel MS. Breast mass and other common problems. Uptodate November 2012.
If you found any breast mass, I recommend that you see a physician who will obtain your history and do breast examination. The next steps may include ultrasound, mammography and/or biopsy, depending upon the findings from the history and physical examination, patient age and other clinical factors. If your age is less than 30 years old, your breast probably more dense. Thus, your physician may start with ultrasound first. If you are 30 years or older, your breast usually less dense. Then your doctor may order mamogram first.
Do remember that no test or exam is 100 percent accurate. Thus, if you have persistent mass or concern, despite negative test, you should get 2nd or more opinion from other doctors or providers.
Reference:
- The palpable breast lump: information and recommendations to assist decision-making when a breast lump is detected. The Steering Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Care and Treatment of Breast Cancer. Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists. CMAJ. 1998;158 Suppl 3:S3
- Sabel MS. Breast mass and other common problems. Uptodate November 2012.
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