Important: This page is for general information only and is not a diagnosis. If you are worried about a symptom, please see a doctor.

What is a breast lump?

A breast lump is a thickening or mass of tissue that feels different from the surrounding breast tissue. Finding a lump in the breast is understandably frightening, but most breast lumps are not cancer. The breast tissue naturally changes with the menstrual cycle, and many women notice areas of lumpiness or tenderness at different times of the month. A lump that is new, that does not go away after your next period, or that has any of the features described below should be evaluated by a doctor.

When is a breast lump a warning sign?

Features that make a breast lump more likely to need further investigation include:

  • The lump is hard or has irregular (uneven) edges
  • The lump does not move when you press on it — it feels stuck to the skin or chest wall
  • The lump does not change with your menstrual cycle and has been there for more than 4 weeks
  • There is nipple discharge — especially if it is bloody or from one breast only
  • The skin over the breast has dimpling or puckering (like orange peel)
  • The nipple has turned inward when it was not before
  • There is redness, warmth, or swelling of the breast that is not explained by an infection
  • A swollen lump or thickening under the armpit (lymph node area)

Any of these signs — even just one — means you should see a doctor promptly. Do not wait to see if the lump goes away on its own.

Other possible causes

Most breast lumps turn out to be benign (non-cancerous). Common non-cancer causes include:

  • Fibroadenoma — a very common benign lump, especially in women under 40. It usually feels smooth and rubbery, moves easily when pressed, and has well-defined edges. It is not cancer and does not increase cancer risk significantly
  • Breast cyst — a fluid-filled sac that can feel soft or firm. Cysts often come and go with the menstrual cycle. They are confirmed with ultrasound and can be drained if large or painful
  • Fibrocystic changes — general lumpiness or thickening that changes with the menstrual cycle; very common and not cancer
  • Lipoma — a soft, fatty lump just under the skin; moves freely and is not cancer
  • Mastitis or breast abscess — an infection of the breast tissue, common in breastfeeding women; causes pain, redness, warmth, and sometimes a lump. Needs antibiotic treatment

Even if you think the cause is benign, a new breast lump should always be evaluated by a doctor to be sure.

Warning signs that need prompt attention

See a doctor as soon as possible — within a week — if you notice:

  • A new lump anywhere in the breast or under the arm that does not go away after one full menstrual cycle
  • A lump that is hard, irregular, or fixed in place
  • Nipple discharge that is bloody or coming from only one breast
  • Skin changes on the breast — dimpling, puckering, or thickening
  • The nipple turning inward when it was not before
  • Redness or swelling of the breast without signs of infection such as fever

What a doctor will do

Your doctor will begin with a careful assessment:

  1. Clinical breast exam — the doctor carefully feels both breasts and the armpit area for lumps, changes in skin texture, or swollen lymph nodes
  2. Breast ultrasound — the most common first imaging test in India. It uses sound waves (no radiation) to show whether a lump is solid or fluid-filled. Ultrasound is widely available at district hospitals and most private clinics
  3. Mammogram — an X-ray of the breast, usually recommended for women over 40 or when the ultrasound result is unclear. Mammogram is available at AIIMS Patna, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, and Paras HMRI in Patna
  4. Biopsy — if imaging finds a suspicious solid lump, a biopsy takes a small sample of tissue so a pathologist can examine it under a microscope. A biopsy is the only test that can confirm whether a lump is cancer. Most biopsies are done with a needle under local anaesthetic and take only a few minutes

Do not be alarmed if your doctor recommends a biopsy — most biopsy results come back as benign (not cancer). A biopsy is done to be certain, not because cancer has been confirmed.

Breast self-examination

You do not need to be an expert to notice changes in your own breasts. The best time to examine your breasts is about one week after your period ends, when breasts are least tender and swollen. Look in a mirror for any changes in shape, skin, or nipple. Then, lying down, use the pads of your fingers to feel the entire breast and armpit in a circular pattern.

If you notice any change — a new lump, skin change, nipple change, or discharge — see a doctor. You do not need to wait to see if it goes away.

Where to get help in Bihar

Women in Bihar should not feel embarrassed about seeking evaluation for a breast change. Gynaecology and surgery outpatient departments handle these assessments routinely and all consultations are private.

Recommended centres in Bihar:

  • Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Phulwarisharif, Patna — full breast cancer evaluation and treatment; surgical and medical oncology
  • AIIMS Patna — breast clinic, mammogram, and biopsy services
  • Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna — mammogram and breast imaging available

See our full hospital directory at /find-care/hospitals/.

Early-stage breast cancer is very treatable. The most important step is getting evaluated without delay.