When to see a doctor

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Make an appointment to have a breast lump checked, especially if:

  • The lump is new and feels firm or fixed.
  • The lump doesn't go away after 4 to 6 weeks. Or it has changed in size or in how it feels.
  • You notice skin changes on your breast such as crusting, dimpling, puckering, or a change in color, including red and pink.
  • Fluid comes out of the nipple. It might be bloody.
  • The nipple recently turned inward.
  • There is a new lump in the armpit, or a lump in the armpit seems to be getting bigger.
March 01, 2023

See also

  1. Breast cancer
  2. Breast Cancer
  3. Breast cancer chemoprevention
  4. Breast Cancer Education Tool
  5. Common questions about breast cancer treatment
  6. Infographic: Breast Cancer Risk
  7. Breast cancer staging
  8. Breast cancer types
  9. Breast cysts
  10. Breast pain
  11. Dragon Boats and Breast Cancer
  12. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
  13. Fibrocystic breasts
  14. Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
  15. Genetic testing for breast cancer: Psychological and social impact
  16. HER2-positive breast cancer: What is it?
  17. Male breast cancer
  18. Mammary duct ectasia
  19. What is breast cancer? An expert explains
  20. Paget's disease of the breast
  21. Paulas story A team approach to battling breast cancer
  22. Pink Sisters
  23. Recurrent breast cancer
  24. The Long Race Beating Cancer
  25. Weight Loss After Breast Cancer