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Breast Changes and Warning Signs To Watch For With Breast Self-Exam:

• Any new lump found in the breast or armpit
• Any lump or thickening that does not shrink or lessen after your next period
• Any change in the size, shape or symmetry of your breast
• A thickening or swelling of the breast
• Any dimpling, puckering or indention in the breast
• Dimpling, skin irritation or other change in the breast skin or nipple
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge (fluid coming from your nipples other than breast milk), particularly if the discharge is bloody, clear and sticky, dark or occurs without squeezing your nipple
• Nipple tenderness or pain
• Nipple retraction: turning or drawing inward or pointing in a new direction
• Any breast change that may be cause for concern

What If I Feel a Lump?

See or contact your doctor immediately if you find a lump or any other change in your breast. The vast majority of breast lumps found by self-examination (80%) are determined to be non-cancerous (benign). Many are fluid-filled cysts that can be easily drained or left alone. Many women have naturally fibrous breasts that feel lumpy. Although this is normal, women with lumpy breast must be diligent about self-examinations. Even if a woman has a normal mammogram, all persistent lumps should be re-evaluated at the proper interval.

Comparing Different Breast Exams

Size of Tumors Found by Mammography and Breast Self-Exam
	Average-size lump detected with routine mammogram (0.43 inches / 1.1 cm)
	Average-size lump detected with first mammogram (0.59 inches / 1.5 cm)
	Average-size lump found by regularly practicing breast self-exam (0.83 inches / 2.1 cm)
	Average-size lump found accidentally (1.42 inches / 3.6 cm)

* These images were created for viewing at 800 by 600 resolution on a 16-inch monitor. They will appear larger or smaller depending upon display size and resolution. However, the relative size of the detected tumor will remain consistent.

Updated: November 8, 2007

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