Sudden painful lump in breast

If you’re worried about a lump in your breast, you’re not alone. Finding a breast lump can be scary because it’s a common sign of breast cancer.

Lump in breast that hurts

But breast lumps can happen for many reasons, and most don’t involve cancer.

Breast cancer lumps are more likely to be immovable and hard, with irregular borders. Noncancerous lumps tend to be softer, smoother, and easy to move.

But these are generalizations, and it’s difficult to tell the difference on your own. A clinical exam should help ease your worry.

Some benign conditions that cause breast lumps can be treated.

And breast cancer is easier to treat in the early stages.

You can also take steps to lessen future worry. By performing breast self-exams, you may notice changes early on. It’s also a good idea to speak with your doctor about your breast cancer risk factors and screening recommendations.