Breast Lumps

Breast Lump Assessment

Discovering a breast lump or change in the breast can understandably feel concerning. While many breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), prompt assessment is important to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely management where required.

Associate Professor Farid Meybodi provides comprehensive breast lump assessment using a modern multidisciplinary approach focused on careful clinical evaluation, appropriate imaging, and evidence-based investigation. The goal is to provide patients with timely answers, clear communication, and personalised care throughout every stage of assessment.

Prompt Assessment Matters

Any new breast lump, persistent thickening, or change in the breast should be assessed promptly by an experienced breast specialist.

Early evaluation is important for:

• accurate diagnosis
• reassurance for benign conditions
• timely identification of breast cancer where present
• appropriate treatment planning
• coordination of further investigations if required

Breast symptoms can occur in both women and men and may arise at any age.

Common Breast Symptoms

Patients may seek assessment for:

• a breast lump or thickening
• breast pain
• nipple discharge
• nipple inversion
• skin dimpling or redness
• breast swelling or asymmetry
• changes in breast shape or contour
• enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit

Many breast changes are related to benign conditions such as cysts, fibroadenomas, hormonal changes, or inflammation, however proper assessment is essential to determine the underlying cause.

Triple Assessment

Modern breast lump evaluation commonly involves a process known as triple assessment. This combines:

• clinical examination
• breast imaging
• biopsy where appropriate

Triple assessment is considered the gold standard approach for investigating breast abnormalities and helps ensure accurate diagnosis and coordinated treatment planning.

Clinical Breast Examination

During your consultation, Associate Professor Farid Meybodi will perform a detailed clinical assessment and discuss:

• your symptoms and medical history
• family history of breast cancer
• previous breast imaging or procedures
• hormonal and lifestyle factors
• any recent changes in the breast

Clinical examination helps guide further investigations and ensures imaging and biopsy recommendations are tailored appropriately.

Breast Imaging

Breast imaging plays a central role in evaluating breast lumps and other breast symptoms. Depending on your age, symptoms, breast density, and examination findings, investigations may include:

• breast ultrasound
• mammography
• tomosynthesis (3D mammography)
• breast MRI in selected cases

Imaging helps determine the nature of a breast abnormality and whether additional testing is required.

A/Prof Farid Meybodi works closely with experienced breast radiologists and specialist imaging providers to ensure comprehensive and timely assessment.

Breast Biopsy

If an abnormality appears suspicious or requires further clarification, a biopsy may be recommended. Most biopsies are performed using minimally invasive image-guided techniques.

Biopsy procedures may include:

• core needle biopsy
• ultrasound-guided biopsy
• stereotactic biopsy
• vacuum-assisted biopsy

The tissue sample is then examined by a pathologist to determine whether the finding is benign, high-risk, or cancerous.

Not all breast lumps require biopsy, and recommendations are individualised based on imaging and clinical findings.

Benign Breast Conditions

Many breast lumps are found to be benign and may not require surgery. Common benign breast conditions include:

• breast cysts
• fibroadenomas
• fibrocystic change
• lipomas
• fat necrosis
• papillomas

Management may involve reassurance, monitoring, aspiration, biopsy, or surgical removal depending on symptoms and imaging findings.

Multidisciplinary Breast Care

Modern breast assessment involves close collaboration between breast surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, breast physicians, and multidisciplinary breast cancer teams.

A/Prof Farid Meybodi works within experienced multidisciplinary networks to ensure patients receive coordinated, evidence-based, and personalised care throughout diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up.

Supporting You Through the Assessment Process

We understand that breast symptoms and investigations can sometimes feel stressful and overwhelming. Our goal is to provide compassionate support, clear communication, and streamlined care from the initial consultation onward.

Whether your breast concern requires reassurance, monitoring, biopsy, or further treatment, A/Prof Farid Meybodi and his team are committed to providing thoughtful, patient-centred care focused on both clinical excellence and long-term wellbeing.