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Is it normal to have lumpy breasts?
Normal breasts can be smooth or lumpy. Most lumps are due to normal changes in breast tissue that occur during development. Your breasts may also feel different or lumpy around the time of your period. If you do notice that a new lump appears in your breast and does not disappear after your period, you should contact your health care provider.
What if I notice a new lump or something different about my breasts?
Most lumps or changes in your breasts that occur when you are a teen or young woman are due to normal changes in the breast tissue. If you find a lump it could be because of hormonal changes, a bump from an injury, a breast cyst filled with fluid from a blocked mammary gland (milk-producing gland), an infection, or a benign (not cancerous) tumor called a fibroadenoma. If the lump is sore or the skin over it is red, you may have an infection and you should contact your health care provider. If your breast just feels lumpy, check it again three to four days after your next period, since your breasts may feel different or lumpy to touch around the time of your period. If the lump does not disappear after you finish your period, see your health care provider. Your health care provider may order an ultrasound of your breast to figure out what kind of lump you have. If you have a fibroadenoma, your doctor will discuss whether it can just be regularly examined or if you need surgery to remove it.
What if I notice a hard lump and redness on my breast?
A hard lump and redness could mean you have a breast abscess, especially if you also have pain and a fever too. Although a breast abscess is more often a complication from breastfeeding, other things can cause an infection, such as shaving, tweezing, or plucking hairs around the nipple area; sexual play that causes trauma; or getting a cut on the breast. Abcesses can also occur because of a blocked duct during breast development or an infection caused by bacteria getting into the nipple. It is best to try to prevent a breast infection by avoiding things that could cause trauma or cuts to your breast(s). If you are breastfeeding, keep your nipples clean and dry.
If you think you or a friend might have a breast abscess, don't wait! Make an appointment to see your health care provider to start antibiotics right away.
What if I have a bump on my breast(s) from a sports injury or fall?
Treat your injury as you would treat any injury on any other part of your body. If the lump is sore and black and blue, it is probably from the injury. If you feel a lump but you don't remember injuring yourself, or if the lump is still present after a week, see your health care provider. But don't worry-there is no link between breast injury and breast cancer.
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Updated: 6/28/06
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