What tests should be done if there is a hard lump on the chest?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been feeling some discomfort in my breast, and I noticed a hard lump upon touching it. I'm wondering if it might be mammary hyperplasia. May I ask what examinations should be done if there is a hard lump in the chest area?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xin
When a lump is present on the chest, a series of examinations is recommended to determine its cause. Physical examination serves as a fundamental and necessary step, whereby a doctor or patient uses manual palpation to detect the lump. This method is simple and convenient but may miss smaller masses. Imaging studies are important diagnostic tools, including breast ultrasound, mammography (breast X-ray), and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can reveal the internal structure of the breast and detect abnormalities such as masses or calcifications. If the nature of the lump cannot be determined through other examinations, a breast biopsy may be necessary, involving the removal of part or all of the lump for laboratory analysis. Appropriate diagnostic methods should be selected based on individual circumstances to promptly identify and treat any underlying conditions.
