Breast cancer and other breast lumps

Abstract

Each year, breast lumps are the feature of concern for many thousands of patients presenting to primary care. Due to the major publicity regarding breast cancer, many patients present promptly, concerned that the lump is cancerous. However, a few women present late, resulting in delayed diagnosis of cancer and poorer outcomes. It can be difficult to evaluate symptoms and clinical findings to distinguish between potentially malignant and benign conditions, however, by using the information in this article GPs should be able to improve their ability to manage patients locally and judge when a referral to secondary care is required.