Breast lumps: How to tell if it's cancerous or benign

For women, it is extremely important to self-examine their breasts on a daily basis. Anything unusual, particularly a breast lump, should be communicated to your gynecologist or a general physician. However, not all breast lumps indicate cancer. It is crucial that you understand the difference between cancerous and benign breast lumps and approach it accordingly.

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A cancerous breast lump may be painless, which is why most of the time the disease is either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Other characteristics of the breast cancer lumps include:

- Irregular edges

- Immovable underneath the skin

- Growing mass

- The lump is located in the upper outer quadrant of your breast

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Benign breast lumps are non-cancerous breast lumps that cause some amount of distress.

As opposed to cancerous breast lumps, benign breast lumps can be tender and painful.

One may experience a general pain, nipple pain and/or a yellow or green discharge from the nipple.

However, some types of breast cancer can also showcase these symptoms, which is why it is best to talk to a specialist or a doctor.

Two of the most common causes of benign breast lumps are cysts and fibroadenomas.

According to the Mayo Clinic, breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs inside the breast, which are usually noncancerous (benign). As per the health body, some people may also develop one or more cysts in their breast.

Fibroadenomas are benign tumors made up of solid lumps of fibrous and glandular tissue. According to Stony Brook Cancer Center, these occur most frequently in women between 18 to 35 and account for nearly all breast tumors in women under 25.

Other causes of benign breast lumps include a breast abscess that causes inflammation and a sore lump in the breast, a fat necrosis, a painless, firm lump caused by damaged fatty tissues, and more.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some warning signs of breast cancer include:

- New lump in the breast or armpit

- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast

- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin

- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast

- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area

- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood

- Any change in breast size or shape

- Pain in any area of the breast

The best way to know whether you have a cancerous or a benign breast lump is by getting your breasts examined by a doctor. Your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound, mammogram or an MRI. A biopsy may also be recommended incase of a suspicious mass or cancer.

All women should self-examine their breasts regularly. In case you notice any lumps in your breast and under your arms, best to get it examined by a doctor.