Breast lumps

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

A breast lump is a growth of tissue that develops within your breast. A breast lump is often interchangeably described as a mass, swelling, thickness or fullness.

A breast lump can feel distinct and have definite borders, or it could feel more like a general area of thickened tissue in your breast. You may notice other breast changes accompanying a breast lump, such as skin redness, distension, dimpling or pitting; breast asymmetry; breast pain; nipple inversion; or unusual nipple discharge.

Sometimes, a breast lump is a sign of breast cancer. That's why your doctor should promptly evaluate any breast lump you find. Fortunately, most breast lumps result from noncancerous (benign) conditions.

MY00165

May 16, 2008

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