Breast lumps

If you feel a lump in your breast, you should always get it checked by a GP. Most breast lumps are harmless but some can be serious.

See a GP if you notice:

• a lump in your breast or armpit
• any other unusual changes in your breasts – such as the nipple turning inwards, dimpled skin or bloodstained nipple discharge

Changes in the breasts can be a sign of breast cancer. This is easier to treat if it's found early.

Causes of breast lumps

Lumps in the breasts can have lots of different causes.

Most are due to something harmless, such as a non-cancerous tissue growth (fibroadenoma) or a build-up of fluid (breast cyst).

But sometimes they can be a sign of something serious, such as breast cancer.

Don't try to self-diagnose the cause of your lump – always see a GP.