Finding a lump in your breast can be a source of immediate anxiety, but it is important to remember that most breast lumps are not cancerous. They can be a common occurrence, often caused by a variety of harmless conditions. However, any new lump or change in the breast should always be checked by a specialist for your peace of mind and because early diagnosis is crucial. A comprehensive one-stop clinic offers a streamlined approach to diagnosis, ensuring you get answers quickly and with confidence. Mr Vatish offers the lumps in breast diagnosis Birmingham patients are concerned with and need to move onto the necessary treatment.
Common causes of breast lumps
Lumps in the breast can have many causes, and they vary in size, shape, and texture. While breast cancer is always a concern, other benign conditions are much more common.
- Breast cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can feel round, smooth, and firm. They can change in size during your menstrual cycle and are most common in women nearing menopause.
- Fibroadenomas: These are solid, non-cancerous tumours that are common in younger women. They feel smooth, firm, and easily moveable under the skin.
- Fibrocystic breast changes: You may feel a general fullness or a bumpy, ropelike texture in your breasts, which can be tender. These changes are often related to the menstrual cycle and tend to improve afterwards.
- Fat necrosis: A lump can form after a serious injury to the breast tissue, a biopsy, or surgery. The lump is caused by damaged fatty tissue and is not cancerous.
- Lipoma: This is a soft, non-cancerous lump of fatty breast tissue.
- Infections or abscesses: A breast infection can lead to a painful, swollen lump, often accompanied by redness.
While less common, it is crucial to seek a medical opinion if a lump is hard, has irregular edges, is painless, or if you notice changes in the breast’s size, shape, or skin, such as dimpling or redness.
The diagnostic process
To accurately diagnose a breast lump, your specialist will typically use a three-step process known as a ‘triple assessment’. All three tests are usually performed in one visit at a breast unit to provide a prompt diagnosis.
- Clinical Examination: The doctor will discuss your symptoms and medical history. They will then perform a physical examination of your breasts, underarms, and neck.
- Breast Imaging: This step uses imaging to visualise the breast tissue. For women under 40, an ultrasound is often the investigation of choice as breast tissue is denser, making it easier to see abnormalities. For women aged 40 or over, a mammogram is typically the primary imaging test.
- Biopsy: If imaging reveals a suspicious area, a biopsy is performed to take a tissue sample. This is the only way to confirm if a lump is cancerous. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist.
The results of a biopsy typically take a few working days to come back. In line with best practice, any biopsies showing cancerous changes are discussed at a Multi-Disciplinary Team meeting, where a team of specialists review treatment options.
Lumps in Breast Diagnosis Birmingham
Mr Jamie Vatish is a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon who specialises in diagnosing and treating all types of breast symptoms. He offers comprehensive, weekly one-stop breast clinics in Birmingham to provide a rapid evaluation of your symptoms and quickly identify any conditions that may require further treatment.
Mr Vatish runs these clinics at two convenient locations: The Harborne Hospital and The Priory Hospital. His approach focuses on providing a streamlined service, ensuring you have a thorough triple assessment on the same day. All scans and biopsies are carried out by an experienced consultant breast radiologist who works closely with Mr Vatish. This integrated approach ensures you receive expert, compassionate care with a fast and accurate diagnosis, giving you clarity and peace of mind when you need it most.