--- title: "Breast Lumps: What They Feel Like & When to See a Doctor" description: "Found a breast lump? Most are harmless, but every new lump needs checking. What lumps feel like, common causes, and what happens at the GP and breast clinic." url: https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-lumps/ robots: noindex --- # Breast Lumps: What They Feel Like & When to See a Doctor Breast health information Found a breast lump? Most are harmless, but every new lump needs checking. What lumps feel like, common causes, and what happens at the GP and breast clinic. ## Quick answer Most breast lumps are not cancer, but you cannot tell what a lump is by touch. See a GP, or your doctor if you live outside the UK, about any new lump or change. If needed, the GP refers you to a breast clinic, where tests are often done in one visit. **Your next step:** see a GP (or your doctor, if you live outside the UK) about any new breast or chest change. These guides explain general information; your care team can advise on your own situation. **Content updated:** 1 October 2026 . Independent clinical review has not yet been recorded for this page. [How we prepare health information](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/) · [Report an error](https://breastcancer-charity.org/corrections/) At a glance Most breast lumps are harmless, but every new lump should be checked by a GP. You cannot tell if a lump is cancer by how it feels; size, softness or pain do not rule it out. Breast clinic tests are often done in one visit; biopsy results take about a week. Check the whole area up to your collarbone and into your armpits. ## What does a breast lump feel like? Breast lumps can feel hard or soft, smooth or uneven, and some move under your fingers while others stay fixed. You cannot tell from how a lump feels whether it is cancer, so any new lump should be checked by a GP. Many people have naturally lumpy breast tissue, especially before a period, which is why it helps to know what is normal for you. ## Are most breast lumps cancer? No. The NHS says most breast lumps are harmless, but some can be serious, so always get a new lump checked. Common harmless causes include a fibroadenoma, which is a non-cancerous growth of breast tissue, and a breast cyst, which is a build-up of fluid. An infection called mastitis, often linked to breastfeeding, can cause a painful, swollen area. Do not try to work out the cause yourself. ## Where are breast lumps usually found? A lump can appear anywhere in the breast or chest, around or behind the nipple, up towards the collarbone or in the armpit, because breast tissue extends into the armpit. When you [check your breasts](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-self-examination/) or chest, include this whole area. A lump or swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone should also be checked. ## Can breast lumps come and go? Breast tissue changes during the menstrual cycle, and many people notice tenderness or lumpiness before a period that settles afterwards. A lump that is still there after your period, is getting bigger, or is new and unusual for you should be checked by a GP. Do not wait to see whether it goes away. ## Is a painful breast lump less likely to be cancer? Pain does not tell you whether a lump is harmless. The NHS says breast pain on its own is unlikely to be a symptom of cancer and is usually linked to periods, but a lump should be checked whether or not it hurts. - Ask for an urgent GP appointment, or use [NHS 111](https://breastcancer-charity.org/breast-cancer-support/), if you have a hard lump that does not move. - Get urgent advice if part of your breast is red, hot or swollen, or you have breast pain with a very high temperature or feel shivery. - Also get urgent advice for nipple discharge that may be streaked with blood, dimpled skin, a change in breast shape, or a rash on the nipple or a nipple that has sunk in. ## What happens when you see a GP about a breast lump? The GP will ask about the lump and look at and examine your breasts. If they are not sure what is causing it, they will refer you to a hospital or breast clinic. At the clinic you may have a breast examination, a [mammogram](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-screening/) or ultrasound scan, and a biopsy, where a needle removes a few cells from the lump. These tests are often done during the same visit. You will usually get scan results the same day, but biopsy results can take about a week. These tests usually show that a lump is not cancer. In England, if your GP suspects cancer and refers you urgently, the NHS aims to diagnose or rule out cancer within 28 days of the referral. ## How are breast lumps treated? Treatment depends on the cause. Most harmless lumps need no treatment and may go away on their own. The breast clinic will explain whether you need any follow-up. If a lump is breast cancer, your breast care team will talk you through your options. Do not rely on home remedies or wait for a lump to shrink before getting it checked. ## Can men get breast lumps? Yes. Men and boys can notice a lump or swelling behind the nipple. It is often caused by harmless swelling of breast tissue, called gynaecomastia, but men can also get breast cancer. A new lump in the chest should be checked by a GP. ## Breast lumps if you live outside the UK Wherever you live, the advice is the same: contact your family doctor or local health service about any new breast lump. In many low-income communities women cannot easily reach a breast examination, so lumps are often found late. That is the gap Breast Cancer Charity's screening campaign works to close. ## Breast changes to get checked Changes can look different on different skin tones. Contact a GP, or your doctor if you live outside the UK, about any change that is new or unusual for you. Most changes are not cancer. - A lump or thickening A new lump or thickened area in the breast, chest or armpit, even if it is painless. - A change in size or shape One breast or side of the chest looks or feels different in size, outline or shape. - Dimpling or puckering Skin that dimples, puckers or looks like orange peel. - Redness or a colour change New redness, darkening or discolouration. On darker skin this may look purple or darker rather than red. - A nipple turning inwards A nipple that has recently become pulled in or changed position. - Nipple discharge Fluid from the nipple when you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, especially if it contains blood. - A rash or crusting A rash, crusting or scaly skin on or around the nipple. - Swelling in the armpit or near the collarbone A lump or swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone. Illustrations are simplified drawings, not medical images. Based on the NHS list of breast cancer symptoms. ## Frequently asked questions What does a cancerous breast lump feel like? You cannot tell by feel. Breast cancer lumps are often described as hard and painless, but a cancer can also feel soft, smooth or tender. Get any new lump checked by a GP. Can a breast lump be nothing to worry about? Yes. Most breast lumps are harmless, such as a fibroadenoma or a cyst. Only tests can tell what a lump is, so see a GP about any new lump. Should I worry if my breast lump moves? A lump that moves still needs checking. The NHS advises asking for an urgent GP appointment if you have a hard lump that does not move. Either way, see a GP. Can a breast lump go away on its own? Some lumps linked to your menstrual cycle settle after a period. If a lump is new, stays after your period or is getting bigger, see a GP rather than waiting. Which doctor should I see about a breast lump? Start with a GP, or your family doctor outside the UK. They can refer you to a specialist breast clinic for tests. Will I need a mammogram or an ultrasound for a breast lump? The breast clinic decides which tests you need. You may have a mammogram, an ultrasound or both, and a biopsy if needed. Tests are often done on the same day. ## Sources and further reading - [NHS: breast lumps](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/breast-lump/) - [NHS: breast pain](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/breast-pain/) - [NHS: how to check your breasts or chest](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/how-to-check-your-breasts-or-chest/) - [NHS: tests and next steps for breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/tests-and-next-steps-for-breast-cancer-in-women/) - [NHS: mastitis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mastitis/) - [NHS: gynaecomastia](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gynaecomastia/) - [NHS: breast cancer in men](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/) - [NHS England: cancer waiting time standards from October 2023](https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/changes-to-cancer-waiting-times-standards-from-1-october-2023/) This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our [editorial policy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/). ## Keep reading [Support ### Where can I get breast cancer support in the UK?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/breast-cancer-support/) [🎗️ ### What are the symptoms of breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-symptoms/)[🤲 ### How do I check my breasts or chest for changes?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-self-examination/)[🏥 ### How is breast cancer diagnosed on the NHS?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-diagnosis/)