Lumps. Bumps. We’ve got them all.
As important as it is to check your breasts, girls, we know it can be alarming if you find something that shouldn’t be there. We’ve all panicked when we’ve found something on our body and we’re not quite sure what it is. It can cause anxiety, stress and sleepless nights, and as easy as it is to say “don’t worry”, sometimes, that’s not always the case.
Breast lumps aren’t uncommon. Many women have lumps in their breasts and most of the time, these turn out to be benign (which means they’re harmless!) You’re probably wondering, what does a breast lump feel like, exactly?
Well, we’re here to give you the full low-down so you know exactly what you’re looking for...
What Does a Breast Lump Feel Like?
A breast lump can feel different for many people, however, cancerous lumps usually fall under the following:
A hard mass
Painless
Has irregular edges
Doesn’t move when pressure is applied
Grows over time
Appears in the outer portion of your breast
It’s also important to remember that not all breast lumps will feel like this. Some types of breast lumps may feel soft, rounded and tender - sometimes, they can even be painful. If you experience pain in your breasts that doesn’t go away, get it checked out, girls.
For our Female Family who have naturally lumpy breasts, we know checking your boobs can be a bit difficult (especially if you don’t know what’s what), but really applying pressure to the breast tissue and feeling the breast with your index fingers can help diagnose any abnormalities.
Other Causes of Breast Lumps
No matter how big a lump is, we know it can be daunting if you find something that feels irregular. However, only 1 in 10 breast lumps turn out to be cancerous, but always check in with your GP to be sure. Other types of breast lumps include:
Swollen lymph nodes
Cysts
Bacterial or viral infection
Allergic reactions
A noncancerous tissue growth known as a fibroadenoma
a fatty tissue growth (lipoma)
Lymphoma (usually cancerous)
If you’re concerned about a lump in your breast, don’t self diagnose, girls. We know it’s easier said than done (especially with Doctor Google around), but seeking medical advice is always the best step to take. If you’re anxious, take your Breastie with you. Sometimes, a familiar face can make a whole world of difference in times like this.
It’s really all about getting to know your normal, girls, so that you can recognise when things are changing or just don’t seem right - we have a full list of symptoms right here.
That means you need to start checking now. Right now, even? Can you spare a few minutes?
Not sure how? Visit our hub to get clued up!
And remember…when in doubt, get it checked out.
We love you, Loungers.