[Breast lump in a young woman]

Abstract

While a breast lump in a young woman is almost always benign, the lump may also be caused by breast cancer and rare malignant tumors. Factors increasing the risk of breast cancer, and especially the family history in respect of breast cancer and ovarian cancer should be mapped out from the anamnesis. Clinical examination of both breasts and lymph node regions is carried out in a systematic manner. Benignity of the lump must in all cases be confirmed by imaging and when necessary, by taking a core needle biopsy. Among the benign tumors of the breast, only a small symptomless fibroadenoma confirmed by core needle biopsy does not require an assessment by a surgeon.