Breast Cancer

Call your doctor if you have:

• A painless lump in your breast or armpit.
• A change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Changes in the skin of the breast, such as a dimple or skin that looks like an orange peel.
• A change in the nipple, such as scaling of the skin, a nipple that turns in, or discharge or bleeding.
• A change in the color or feel of the skin around the nipple.

Who to see

Health professionals who can perform a breast exam include the following:

• Reference Family medicine doctor Opens New Window
• Reference General practitioner Opens New Window
• Reference Gynecologist Opens New Window
• Reference Internist Opens New Window
• Reference General surgeon Opens New Window or a surgeon who specializes in diseases of the breast
• Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window
• Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window

Mammograms are usually read by Reference radiologists Opens New Window.

You may see a general surgeon, a breast surgeon, or a radiologist if further evaluation of a breast problem is needed.

Breast cancer is treated by surgeons, Reference medical oncologists Opens New Window, and Reference radiation oncologists Opens New Window.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.