What to Do if You Feel a Breast Lump

Jana Geyer was just 33 years old when she found a lump in her right breast in February 2018. The day after she found it, she had an ultrasound, because she was told she was too young for a mammogram.

The ultrasound revealed a benign cyst, and Geyer was understandably relieved. Her doctor told her there was no need to remove it unless it got "bothersome.” But months later, Geyer began feeling pain in the lump area and had a feeling something was wrong.

She asked for the cyst to be drained in June, and that’s when she learned the pathology report showed abnormal cells. “By August I was experiencing underarm swelling, my nipple retracted, and my breast felt hard and painful,” says Geyer.

In September 2018, she had the lump removed, only to learn that she indeed had stage 3 breast cancer. She then began treatment for breast cancer, which for her involved intense chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and radiation.

“I felt so defeated after my diagnosis,” Geyer says. “I actually knew it was cancer from the start. I’m not a clinician, but I’m in touch with my own body and I knew this wasn’t normal.”

Today, Geyer is in remission. But her eight-month initial journey, as well as a later cancer recurrence, is a cautionary tale that speaks to how important it is to listen to your gut. Her experience led her to create the #checkyourselfmovement in 2018, a public speaking project and social-media-based advocacy program. The program isn’t just about breast health, but about educating and empowering young women to be their own proactive health advocates.

“I’ve heard incredible stories since I started the program,” Geyer says. “I started it because I felt like we’re all aware of breast cancer — I don’t know how much more aware we can get — but we’re not as aware in the younger community of what to look for in terms of abnormalities.”

For young women, knowing what to do once they or their doctor finds a lump remains challenging, Geyer says.

“Women don’t know what tests are even available,” she says. “We get so wrapped up in a doctor knowing everything, but I feel like you should get a second, third, even a fourth opinion if you feel in your gut that something is wrong.”

Which Lumps Should You Worry About?

Breast lumps are generally common, and most are benign. So, how do you know if a breast lump is cancerous, and when should you push for more testing? Benign breast lumps, such as a cyst, are fluid-filled sacs that can be drained if they’re large and cause discomfort. But they are rarely cancerous.

“The first thing you should do if you find [a lump] is take a deep breath and remember that the vast majority of lumps in your breast are not cancerous,” says Debbie Bennett, MD, a breast radiologist at Washington University’s Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis.

“You’ll want to call your PCP or ob-gyn provider and let them know you found a lump in your breast,” Dr. Bennett says. “They may want you to come in so they can examine you themselves, and they may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or mammogram (or both).”

The second thing to remember is that if your doctor doesn't think anything is wrong, but you’re still worried, you should ask for a second opinion. “You are the best judge of whether something doesn't seem right with your body,” Bennett says. “Ask for a referral to a breast specialist — these doctors and nurses specialize in breast health and can help either reassure you or order the necessary imaging tests."

Ultimately, if you feel a lump, follow Geyer’s lead and work with your healthcare provider until you know the exact cause of any irregularities.

To be denied a mammogram at age 33 is something Geyer hopes never happens to any woman.

“I still wonder why I wasn't given this diagnostic test when it’s there to help,” she says. “That’s why I started this movement — so women like myself can feel empowered to speak up.”

The Takeaway

Lumps in the breast are common, and most are benign (noncancerous). If you feel any lump, though, it’s important to see your PCP or ob-gyn, who can perform a breast exam and order any imaging tests they think you need. If you feel something is wrong but tests come back negative, you can and should get another opinion from a specialist until you feel confident you understand what’s causing the lump and any other symptoms.