Approach to a Breast Lump

Key points

• • Triple assessment = clinical examination + imaging (ultrasound if under 35, mammogram if older) + needle biopsy.
• • Benign: fibroadenoma (young, mobile 'breast mouse') and cysts; malignant: hard, fixed, irregular, with skin or nipple change.
• • Any suspicious lump needs urgent referral on the 2-week cancer pathway.
• • Consider family history (BRCA) and examine the axillary nodes.