Finding a lump during your regular boob check is bound to freak you out a little, especially as breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in the UK. But, to restore peace of mind, Dr Shahzadi Harper, founder of The Harper Clinic and a women's health specialist, says that most lumps (in particular those found by young women) are unlikely to be cause for concern. This is because 80% of diagnoses occur in women over 50, and the disease, as per Breast Cancer Now, is "not common in younger women."
Dr Harper explains: "Benign cysts, which are simply a build-up of fluid, are really common." She adds that they're "actually hereditary from your mother's side," and that other non-cancerous tissue growths (called fibroadenoma) can also appear in the breasts. And, like cysts, they're nothing to worry about.
As always though, it's recommended that you book in with your GP to discuss any health concerns (or to get a newly discovered lump examined, if for no other reason than to put yourself at ease), rather than self-diagnosing. Below, we've answered a few common questions to hopefully reassure you in the meantime.
How can you tell the difference between a breast cyst and a breast lump?
Typically, says Dr Harper, cysts tend to be smoother, bigger and more buoyant. "Lumps are usually harder, firmer and have craggy edges to them."
The most common place to find cancerous lumps is under the armpit or in the upper outer quadrant of the breast (if you imagine dividing your boob into four, that means the upper section nearest to the armpit). "Really though, it's always best to have a professional examine a lump for you," Dr Harper advises.
What's the best way to work out if a lump is abnormal?
Essentially, it's all about getting up close and personal with your boobs. Dr Harper recommends checking your breasts once a month after your period. This is because they tend to feel lumpier before menstruation. That way, you're more likely to notice when a change has occurred and can book in with your GP.
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There's also no harm in checking them more regularly, whether that be when you're in the shower, doing your daily moisturising, or before you get dressed. After all, if you notice something out of the ordinary (even if it turns out to be harmless), you've done yourself a huge favour by getting it looked at early.
Whilst examining your boobs, armpits and collarbone area, you should also be looking out for:
- Changes in skin texture such as puckering/dimpling
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple inversion and changes in direction
- Swelling in your armpit or around collar bone
- A sudden change in size or shape
- A rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area
Dr Harper generally advises checking using four fingers and starting at the "12 o'clock" point of the breast, then working your way round. "Don't forget the underarm area, collarbone and to go slightly below where your bra would sit too," she adds. There's no right or wrong way to check your breasts per se, the main thing is that you do check them.
If you have found a lump and the doctor wants to have it checked out, you may be referred to a specialist to have a biopsy, mammogram (a breast x-ray) or ultrasound.
Treatment for breast cysts
If you have recently been diagnosed with a simple breast cyst, Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy firstly stresses you should try not to worry. As noted above, the majority of breast cysts are benign – not cancerous – "but they do need to be properly evaluated using triple assessment, which means undergoing clinical examination, imaging (mammogram and/or ultrasound) and a fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy."
"90% of breast cysts are simple cysts caused by fluid collecting in an empty milk duct," Dr Lee explains, adding that "you may be advised to watch and wait as many breast cysts will disappear on their own." If the cyst is large or causing discomfort, she says the fluid can be drained by fine needle aspiration (FNA). This is done under local anaesthetic and is not usually painful, just a little uncomfortable.
Additionally, Dr Lee says that simple breast cysts do not increase the risk of breast cancer. Rather, they are "part of the normal spectrum of fibrocystic breast disease, and 70% of women will develop the condition over their reproductive lifetime."
She continues: "Complex breast cysts occur less often. These are cysts that have both a fluid and a solid component. After a thorough assessment, if the aspirate and the biopsy have not shown any suspicious features, they may be kept under surveillance, with repeat clinic visits every 6 - 12 months."
After aspiration of a breast cyst or breast biopsy, Dr Lee notes that complications such as bruising, swelling and infection can occur and there can be a risk of a breast abscess. If you do have pain or discomfort from a breast cyst, she says simple things that can help include "wearing a firm bra, applying a hot or cold compress to the area, and taking painkillers such as NSAIDs." Plus, she adds that avoiding caffeine can also help reduce breast pain.
Will a breast cyst be removed?
"The majority of breast cysts do not need surgical removal by a lumpectomy or a mastectomy," Dr Lee reassures. However, she says it might be necessary if the cyst keeps coming back, is large or very painful. Or, if there are any suspicious features or specific diagnostic findings.
Again, Dr Lee emphasises the importance of examining your breasts regularly and reporting any changes. She concludes: "Even if you have had a breast lump or a breast cyst in the past, you must still report any new findings. Also, it's very important to go for your screening mammograms when you are invited, from age 50 to 71, every 3 years."
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Visit CoppaFeel! for more boob-related information.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
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