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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou probably will discuss your breast lump with your family doctor or your gynecologist.
What you can do
Before your appointment, you might want to write a list that answers the following questions:
- When did you first notice the lump? Has it gotten bigger since then?
- Does the lump change in size around the time of your menstrual periods?
- Have you or other members of your family had breast problems in the past?
- What date did your last menstrual period begin?
- What medications and supplements do you take regularly?
Questions to ask your doctor:
- What do you think this lump might be?
- What tests do I need?
- What treatments are available?
- Do you have any brochures about this topic?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:
- Is the lump tender or painful?
- Have you had any nipple discharge?
- Has anyone in your family had breast cancer?
- Have you ever had a mammogram? If so, when?
References
- Valea FA, et al. Benign breast disease. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed March 24, 2011.
- Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/screening/understanding-breast-changes/AllPages. Accessed March 24, 2011.
- Sabel MS. Overview of benign breast disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 24, 2011.
- Iglehart JD, et al. Benign breast tumors and related diseases. In: Townsend CM Jr, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1565/0.html. Accessed March 24, 2011.
- Non-cancerous breast conditions: Fibroadenomas. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/FindCancerEarly/WomensHealth/Non-CancerousBreastConditions/non-cancerous-breast-conditions-fibroadenomas. Accessed March 24, 2011.
- Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 5, 2011.
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