During the examination, the doctor is
looking for signs that the lump is either
“benign” (non-cancerous) or “malignant”
(cancerous).
The armpit and the area above your
collarbone will be examined to see if the
lymph nodes are enlarged. These lymph
nodes are sometimes called “glands.”
Swollen lymph nodes can be one of the
first signals of a spreading cancer. The
skin of the breast and the nipple will also
be examined for any irritation, rash,
dimpling or other abnormality that cancer
can sometimes cause. Fluid leaking
from the nipples unless it is bloodstained
is usually not related to cancer,
especially if it occurs in both breasts.
The lump itself will be felt to see if it
can be moved within the tissue and
whether its edges seem smooth or rough.
Smooth, rounded lumps that move easily
are much less likely to be cancerous.
Lumps due to cancer are usually, though
not always, painless.
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