What should I do if my breast has a hard lump and is also painful?

When there is a hard lump in the breast accompanied by pain, the cause should be identified first, followed by appropriate measures. The following are some recommendations: 1. **Warm compress and massage**: For lumps caused by milk accumulation or blocked milk ducts, apply a warm towel as a compress on the breast and gently massage to promote milk drainage and relieve pain. 2. **Maintain hygiene and empty the breasts**: Lactating women should maintain breast hygiene and ensure timely emptying of breast milk to prevent milk stasis that may lead to mastitis. 3. **Seek medical evaluation**: If the lump persists or if the pain worsens, seek timely medical attention for breast ultrasound, mammography, or other tests to determine the nature of the lump. 4. **Follow medical advice for treatment**: Based on the diagnostic results, follow your doctor's instructions for medication or surgical treatment. For example, conditions such as fibrocystic breast changes can be managed with medication to alleviate symptoms; mastitis requires treatment with antibiotics; and tumors may necessitate surgical removal.