Breast Lumps (Noncancerous): Care Instructions

Overview

Breast lumps or changes are a common health worry. There are many kinds of breast lumps and other breast changes, including ones that occur with menstrual periods, pregnancy, and aging. Most breast lumps are harmless and are not cancer.

Breasts can often feel lumpy and tender before your menstrual periods. Lumps can also happen during breastfeeding. Breast lumps may go away after menopause.

Common noncancerous breast lumps include:

• Cysts, or sacs filled with fluid.
• Fatty lumps, which may be firm. These may or may not cause pain.
• Fibroadenomas, or growths that are round and firm with smooth edges.
• Abscesses, which are pockets of infection within the breast.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be familiar with how your breasts look and feel. This can help you learn what is normal for you. And it can help you notice any changes with your breasts.
• If you have breast pain:
  • Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
    • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
  • Wear a supportive bra, such as a sports bra or jog bra.
  • Try applying heat or ice to the area. If you are breastfeeding, use ice. If you are not breastfeeding, you can try heat or ice, whichever feels better. Apply it for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the heat or ice and your skin.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.
• You have new changes in your breast, such as:
  • A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit.
  • A change in the breast's size or shape.
  • Skin changes, such as dimples or puckers.
  • Nipple discharge.
  • A change in the color or feel of the skin of your breast or the darker area around the nipple (areola).