Finding a breast lump can be frightening. Many lumps are not cancer, but a new breast change should be checked. Davie ObGyn can perform a clinical evaluation and guide the next steps in breast imaging or specialist care.
Understanding Breast Lumps
What can cause a breast mass?
A breast lump may be a fluid-filled cyst, a benign solid growth, an infection, or another tissue change. Some lumps are cancerous. Touch alone cannot reliably tell the difference.
Changes that need attention
- A new lump in the breast or underarm.
- A lump that persists or grows.
- Skin dimpling or a new change in breast shape.
- New nipple pulling or bloody discharge.
- Persistent redness, swelling, or thickened skin.
When to get urgent care: A painful, red breast with fever or feeling ill needs prompt assessment for infection.
RadiologyInfo explains breast lumps and evaluation.
Why an in-person evaluation matters
An exam helps identify the exact area and match it to the correct imaging. Do not wait for your next routine screening mammogram to report a lump.
What to Expect During Evaluation
- Discuss the change: When you noticed it, whether it hurts, and whether it changes with your cycle.
- Review your history: Prior imaging, family history, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
- Have a clinical breast exam: The physician checks the area and nearby lymph nodes.
- Arrange appropriate diagnostic imaging: This may include diagnostic mammography, 3D mammography, and targeted breast ultrasound.
- Review the result and next step: Some findings require follow-up imaging or biopsy.
Ultrasound is commonly the first test in patients younger than 30. Diagnostic mammography or 3D mammography is often appropriate at older ages, sometimes with ultrasound. Pregnancy and other factors may change the approach. ACR and RSNA explain imaging choices.
Treatment and Follow-Up
Treatment depends on the cause. A confirmed benign finding may need observation, while a painful cyst may sometimes be drained. Infection may need medication or drainage.
A suspicious finding may require a needle biopsy and referral to a breast specialist. Early evaluation helps avoid unnecessary delay. RadiologyInfo describes biopsy and management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a painful lump less concerning?
Pain does not reliably determine whether a lump is benign. New lumps still need assessment.
What is the difference between screening and diagnostic mammography?
Screening looks for cancer in people without symptoms. Diagnostic imaging evaluates a specific concern or an abnormal screening result.
What if my recent mammogram was normal?
Report the new lump anyway. A persistent lump may need further evaluation even with normal imaging. ACR guidance addresses this situation.
Does Davie ObGyn perform mammograms on site?
Breast imaging can be ordered or coordinated at an appropriate imaging facility. Call to discuss the evaluation process.
Breast Concerns Deserve Timely Care
Davie ObGyn provides board-certified clinical evaluation for patients in Davie, Cooper City, Weston, Plantation, and Pembroke Pines. We help you understand the next steps and the importance of completing recommended follow-up.
For an emergency, call 911. Not sure what you need? See our patient resource center.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: September 26, 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.