Breast lumps

• Published in: BMJ (Online) Vol. 349; no. 7974; p. g5275
• Main Authors: Twoon, M, Ng, N Y B, Thomson, S E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England British Medical Journal Publishing Group 05-09-2014; BMJ Publishing Group; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Edition: International edition
• Subjects: 10-MINUTE CONSULTATION; Adult; Age; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - diagnosis; Breasts; Carcinoma - diagnosis; Cysts; Diagnosis, Differential; Eczema; Family medical history; Fat Necrosis - diagnosis; Female; Fibroadenoma - diagnosis; Fibrocystic Breast Disease - diagnosis; Hormone replacement therapy; Humans; Medical diagnosis; Medical History Taking; Mutation; Necrosis; Pagets disease; Pain; Patients; Physical Examination - methods; Physical examinations; Referral and Consultation; Risk factors; Skin; Trauma; Womens health; United Kingdom > UK
• ISSN: 0959-8138; 1756-1833; 0959-8146; 1756-1833
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.g5275

Breast lumps are common and have a variety of causes. Although most lumps are not malignant, any abnormal changes to the breasts need to be reviewed as soon as possible. Refer patients to a breast clinic where triple assessment can be performed and the lump fully investigated. It is often difficult to make a definitive diagnosis on clinical history and examination alone. Many patients who are referred for specialist assessment will be found not to have cancer. Here, Twoon et al examine the case of a 35 year old woman with a 1 cm hard lump in the upper outer quadrant of her right breast.