Where are breast cancer lumps usually found?

In women, breast cancer lumps are usually found in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. In men, they’re usually found near the nipple. Regardless of gender, breast cancer can start anywhere there’s breast tissue, from the breastbone to the armpit to the collarbone.

What aspects should be considered when a mass is noted in the breast?

The mass is palpated for size, tenderness, consistency (ie, hard or soft, smooth or irregular), borders (well-defined or nondiscrete), and mobility (whether it feels freely mobile or fixed to the skin or chest wall).

Can a breast cancer lump appear suddenly?

Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms can appear quite suddenly. Inflammatory breast cancer is often confused with an infection of the breast (mastitis).

Can breast cancer be on the outside?

Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer can spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is said to have metastasized.

Why are most breast cancers in the upper outer quadrant?

Most breast cancers develop in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, closest to the armpit. This is because this area has a lot of glandular tissue.

What is suspicious breast tissue?

”Suspicious” calcifications may be benign or an early sign of cancer; therefore, your doctor may recommend that you have a biopsy. During a biopsy, a small amount of breast tissue containing the calcification is removed and sent to a laboratory to be examined for cancer cells.

How quickly can a breast cancer lump appear?

With most breast cancers, each division takes one to two months, so by the time you can feel a cancerous lump, the cancer has been in your body for two to five years.

Why is it important to examine the upper outer quadrant of the breast?

The breast is divided into quadrants or described in comparison to a clock face for ease of communication of any findings. The upper outer quadrant of the breast contains a greater volume of tissue than elsewhere, and this is also the most common location for a breast malignancy to arise.

What does thickened breast feel like?

Fibrosis is a thickening of the breast tissue that you and your doctor can feel through the skin. It can be somewhat firm, ropy, or rubbery. Fibrosis also can happen by itself without any cysts forming.