Breast Lump
Alternate Names : Breast Mass
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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
Your doctor will obtain a complete history from you, with special attention to factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. A thorough breast examination will be performed. If you don't know how to perform breast self-examination, ask your health care provider to teach you the proper method.
Medical history questions regarding breast lumps include:
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When and how did you first notice the lump?
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Do you have other symptoms such as pain, nipple discharge, or fever?
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Where is the lump located?
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Do you do self-breast exams and is this lump a recent change?
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Have you had any type of injury to your breast?
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Are you taking any hormones, medications, or supplements?
Tests that may be performed include:
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Study of nipple discharge under the microscope
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Needle aspiration of a cyst with examination of the fluid under a microscope
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Ultrasound to see if the lump is solid or cystic
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Mammogram
If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may also suggest testing for genes that predispose you to breast cancer.
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