Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women, and is one of the top 10 most common causes of death among women in the United States. As a result, finding a lump in your breast is a cause for serious concern. Fortunately, most lumps in the breast are not cancerous, but there is no way to self-diagnose their cause. Properly diagnosing lumps in your breast requires the services of the medical community.
Instructions
1. Be aware of your breasts. The American Cancer Society no longer advocates Breast Self Examination for early detection of breast cancer. Instead the organization recommends women practice breast self awareness. This is not a formal, monthly examination, but simply paying attention to how your breasts look and feel at different times of the day and month so you will know when they do not look or feel normal.
2. Contact your physician if you discover any noticeable change in your breasts. Because the breasts are composed of fatty tissue surrounding clusters of glands, called lobules, it is not uncommon for them to feel lumpy or bumpy. However, if you discover a difference in the way your breasts feel or look, such as an enlarged lump, a hard mass, nipples pulling to one side, or a discharge from the nipple, it may be a cause for concern.
3. Contact your physician and inform him or her of your concern. Be ready to provide information regarding when you discovered the lump or other changes to your breast, how long it has been there, whether any pain is involved, how long it has been since your last menstrual period, your age, and other pertinent data.
4. See your physician for a physical examination. Your physician should be trained and skilled at determining whether any lump you have discovered is abnormal. If your physician determines the lump is abnormal he or she will probably recommend further diagnostic testing which may include a mammogram, breast ultrasound, fine needle aspiration, or a core needle biopsy.
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