Symptom guide
Breast lump: causes, red flags and when to get it checked
Finding a new lump in the breast is frightening, yet most lumps turn out to be benign, such as cysts or fibroadenomas. Every new lump should be examined by a doctor, and referred to a breast clinic if it persists, because only tests can tell for sure. Breast clinics usually offer examination, imaging and sampling in one visit.
Last checked: 2026-10-03
Key facts
At a glance.
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See a GP
Any new breast lump should be assessed by a GP, whatever your age and whether or not it hurts.
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Benign common
Cysts, fibroadenomas and normal hormonal lumpiness account for most lumps.
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Triple assessment
Breast clinics use examination, imaging and, if needed, a needle sample to give a diagnosis.
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Age differences
Fibroadenomas are more common in younger women; cysts in the forties and fifties; cancer risk rises with age.
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Who to see
GP, then breast clinic; urgent referral if suspicious.
What this symptom usually means
The breast is made of glandular tissue, ducts, fat and connective tissue, which respond to hormones and change through the menstrual cycle. Lumps can arise from any of these. Some are normal lumpy areas that swell premenstrually, while others are discrete lumps that persist and need assessment.
Possible causes, from most to least common
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Normal cyclical changes: general lumpiness and tenderness that varies with the cycle.
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Breast cysts: smooth, mobile fluid-filled lumps, often tender, common in women aged 35 to 50.
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Fibroadenoma: a smooth, firm, rubbery, mobile lump, often in younger women.
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Fat necrosis after injury or surgery, and lipomas.
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Infection or abscess, with redness, heat, pain and fever, sometimes in breastfeeding.
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Intraductal papilloma, with nipple discharge.
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Phyllodes tumour, which can be benign or malignant.
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Breast cancer: a hard, irregular, fixed lump, possibly with skin dimpling, nipple change or underarm lump.
Features that point to something more serious
A hard, irregular or fixed lump, skin dimpling or thickening, an orange-peel texture, a new nipple inversion, bloody nipple discharge, a lump in the armpit, a lump that is growing, a persistent lump after your period, and a family history of breast cancer warrant urgent review.
Red flags: when to seek help
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Urgent GP referral (suspected cancer pathway): any new, persistent breast lump, especially in women over 30.
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Same-day GP: a red, hot, tender breast with fever (infection or abscess).
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GP within days: nipple changes, skin changes or armpit lumps.
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Routine GP: cyclical lumpiness that comes and goes with your period.
What a doctor will ask and examine
The doctor asks when you noticed it, whether it changes with periods, pain, nipple discharge, previous breast problems, family history, hormone use, breastfeeding and injury. They examine both breasts and armpits, in sitting and lying positions, noting size, shape, texture and mobility.
Tests that are commonly used and why
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Breast ultrasound: the main imaging test for women under about 40, and useful at any age for a lump.
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Mammogram: usually offered from about age 40 as part of assessment.
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Fine needle aspiration or core biopsy: to sample a lump and give a definite diagnosis.
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MRI breast: in selected cases, such as dense breasts or high-risk women.
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Genetic counselling if a family history suggests an inherited risk.
Self-care and the usual route
Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, and check regularly. Report changes promptly rather than waiting for the next period. Wear a supportive bra if tender. Do not squeeze or prod the lump. Attend breast screening when invited, which is separate from assessment of symptoms.
The NHS route is a GP and a rapid breast clinic, usually seen within two weeks. Private breast clinics offer one-stop assessment with imaging and sampling.
Frequently asked
Questions people ask.
Quick, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most.
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Is every breast lump cancer?
No. Most are benign, such as cysts and fibroadenomas, but all new lumps should be checked.
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What happens at the breast clinic?
You will usually have an examination, imaging (ultrasound and/or mammogram) and possibly a needle sample, often in one visit.
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What is a fibroadenoma?
A benign, firm, rubbery, mobile lump, common in younger women, which may be monitored or removed.
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What is a breast cyst?
A fluid-filled sac that feels smooth and mobile, common in women in their forties. It can be drained if bothersome.
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Does pain mean it is not cancer?
Pain is more often benign, but it does not rule out cancer, so lumps should be examined regardless.
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Do I need a mammogram if I am young?
Under about 40 an ultrasound is usually used first because breast tissue is dense. Mammography is added for older women.
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Can men get breast lumps?
Yes. Gynaecomastia is common, but any lump in a man should be checked.
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When should I check my breasts?
Regularly, at any time that suits you. Know what is normal for you and report any change.
Where this comes from
Sources and checking.
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP or consultant knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or come with red-flag features, seek urgent medical care. Figures and availability change, so treat them as a guide and confirm with the provider.
Published 2026-10-03, next review 2027-10-03.
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NHS: Breast cancer in women (nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/)
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NICE guideline NG12: Suspected cancer - recognition and referral