What does a cancerous breast lump feel like? Women have been asking this question since awareness of the dangers of breast cancer and malignant breast lump death tolls have risen.

Finding a lump in the breast or experiencing changes in the breast may make a woman fearful of the fact that she could have breast cancer. This is a very understandable reaction to something that could jeopardize what she views as a major part of her womanhood.

During a breast exam, the tissue feels different depending on the area. Gland tissue has a firm and lumpy feel. It is similar to a rope. This is found in the upper outside portion of the breast.

The fatty tissue is soft and is found in the lower and inside parts of the breast. These two tissues are definitely different in feel from one another. Breast tissue changes with age and changes in hormone levels like with a period.

So, what does a cancerous breast lump feel like?

When a lump is present in the breast, it will feel like a pea. It is said to be hard and not smooth. The edges are rough. There may be no tenderness, pain, or other signs the malignant breast lump is there.

Some signs that might indicate cancer in the breast include a lump that is new or feels unusual to you. It is not like the fatty or glandular tissue. Check both breasts and see if it appears on both sides. If not, it might need to be checked.

If a lump appears, see if it will go away with your next period. If it does not a check is in order.

Other indications of problems include:

• Breast lumps that get larger or become firmer.
• The nipple begins to discharge blood on its own with no pressure.
• The skin of the breast changes and becomes red, crusty, puckers, or has dimples.
• The nipple becomes inverted when it was outward before.

The first thing to do when asking what does a cancerous breast lump feel like is to stay calm. Most of the time, a lump in the breast can be nothing more than a cyst.

Four out of five malignant breast lump biopsies come back as non-cancerous. It is essential to have any lump found in the breast looked at immediately by a physician.

This will give a clear definition of whether or not it is cancer. Just taking the first step to self-examination is so important. The earlier cancer is detected, the better chance of treating it successfully.

A doctor will begin with a manual breast exam to feel for the lump. If one is found, further testing will be necessary to see if it is a malignant breast lump.

Ultrasound, mammograms, and other testing will confirm or deny the presence of a lump. A biopsy of the tissue inside the breast, in the area of the lump, will confirm if it is a benign lump or possibly a cyst.

Let us hope the last question anyone has to ask is what does a cancerous breast lump feel like.