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Regular breast self-exams can help you notice changes early—but knowing what a breast lump actually feels like is just as important. Some lumps are normal, while others may need a closer look from a medical provider.
At BASS Medical Group and the Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center, we’re here to help you understand what’s typical, what’s not, and what to do if you feel something new.
Is It Normal to Feel Lumps in Your Breast?
Yes. Breast tissue naturally contains ridges, firmness, and rope-like areas, especially in people assigned female at birth. Hormones can also make breasts feel:
- Tender
- Swollen
- More dense
- Bumpy around your cycle
However, certain lumps feel different from your usual breast texture and should be checked by a provider.
A lump that may need evaluation can feel:
- Firmer or harder than surrounding tissue
- Round, oval, or irregular in shape
- Smooth or uneven
- Moveable—or sometimes fixed
- Pea-sized or larger
Most lumps are benign, including cysts or fibrocystic changes. But any new lump deserves a medical evaluation.
What Should You Do If You Find a Lump?
First—don’t panic.
Most breast lumps are not cancer. But you should schedule a visit with your BASS Primary Care Provider, who may recommend further testing such as:
- Mammogram
- Breast ultrasound
- MRI
- Biopsy (if needed)
Other breast changes to watch for:
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Nipple inversion or discharge
- Redness, swelling, or skin irritation
- Pain that doesn’t go away after your menstrual cycle
- A lump that grows, hardens, or changes over time
If you notice any of these symptoms, get evaluated promptly.
How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam (Step-by-Step)
Doing self-exams monthly helps you identify changes early.
1. Look in the mirror
With arms at your sides, then overhead, then hands on hips, look for:
- Visible lumps
- Changes in size or symmetry
- Skin dimpling or redness
- Nipple changes
2. Feel for changes
Do this in the shower or lying down:
- Use the pads of your fingers
- Move in small circular motions
- Cover the entire breast and underarm
- Use light, medium, and firm pressure
- Check both sides for differences
For menstruating individuals, the best time is a few days after your period when breasts are least tender.
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment if:
- You find a new lump
- A lump changes in size or texture
- You notice nipple discharge or skin changes
- You have breast pain that doesn’t improve
- You have a family history of breast cancer
- You’re over 40 and due for a mammogram
Get Expert Breast Care at BASS Medical Group
Early detection saves lives—and you don’t have to figure this out alone.
BASS Primary Care Providers and the Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center offer advanced imaging, diagnostics, and compassionate breast care across the Bay Area.
If you’ve found a lump or want peace of mind:
