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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
What do normal breasts feel like?
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic - Breast cancer
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
What do normal breasts feel like?
by bobbinazz1234, Mar 12, 2009 09:29AM
Towards the top of each of my breasts, there is a large spot that feels like a muscle. If i push on the top of my breasts i can feel it. There isn't really any pain or anything though. Is this breast cancer or am i just feeling the muscles in my breasts?
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Mar 12, 2009 09:50AM
, Mar 12, 2009 09:50AM
Dear bobbinazz1234, Our breasts are made up of ducts, lobes and fat. Under the breasts are muscles and ribs. These normal features may make the breasts feel “lumpy” or uneven. In addition, many women have changes in their breasts that are related to their monthly menstrual cycle.
When doing a breast self-exam (BSE) what you are looking for is a lump that stands out as different from the rest of your breast tissue. Becoming more familiar with your breasts by doing BSE each month will help you tell the difference between your normal “lumpiness” and what may be a change. The best time to do BSE is 2 or 3 days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. If you feel something in one breast that appears unusual or different from before, check to see if it is present in your other breast. If the same structure is in the same place in both breasts, the chances are good that your breasts are normal. If you find a lump a few days before or during your menstrual period, reexamine your breasts when your period ends.
For more information on how to perform self breast exam there are many resources available that describe the procedure, along with pictures and diagrams that are helpful. One such resource is the National Cancer Institute. If you call 1-800-4-CANCER, you can order publications that will tell you all about self-breast exam. Also ask your health care professional at your next physical exam if they would walk you through the breast exam and explain what you are feeling in your breasts. This may give you more confidence when you are doing the exam on your own.
When doing a breast self-exam (BSE) what you are looking for is a lump that stands out as different from the rest of your breast tissue. Becoming more familiar with your breasts by doing BSE each month will help you tell the difference between your normal “lumpiness” and what may be a change. The best time to do BSE is 2 or 3 days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. If you feel something in one breast that appears unusual or different from before, check to see if it is present in your other breast. If the same structure is in the same place in both breasts, the chances are good that your breasts are normal. If you find a lump a few days before or during your menstrual period, reexamine your breasts when your period ends.
For more information on how to perform self breast exam there are many resources available that describe the procedure, along with pictures and diagrams that are helpful. One such resource is the National Cancer Institute. If you call 1-800-4-CANCER, you can order publications that will tell you all about self-breast exam. Also ask your health care professional at your next physical exam if they would walk you through the breast exam and explain what you are feeling in your breasts. This may give you more confidence when you are doing the exam on your own.
