Follow-Up After an Abnormal Clinical Breast Exam

For most women, the results of a clinical breast exam (CBE) will be normal.

If your clinical breast exam finds something abnormal, you’ll need follow-up tests to check whether or not the finding is breast cancer.

Most abnormal findings from a clinical breast exam are not breast cancer.

For most women, follow-up tests will show normal breast tissue. For other women, follow-up tests will show a benign (not cancer) breast condition. A small number of women will have breast cancer.

It’s important to get follow-up without delay if you have an abnormal clinical breast exam. That way, if you have breast cancer, it can be treated as soon as possible.

Learn about follow-up after an abnormal mammogram.

Watch our video of Komen Scholar Dr. Mariana Chavez MacGregor who talks about what to expect if you’re called back for follow-up tests.

Follow-up tests

Types of follow-up tests

If your clinical breast exam finds something abnormal, the follow-up tests you’ll have depend on the type of finding and your age.

Follow-up most often begins with the least invasive tests, such as a follow-up mammogram (diagnostic mammogram) or breast ultrasound.

In some cases, more tests such as a breast MRI may be recommended.

The following is an interactive tour showing common imaging tests and how some findings may look on them. Click the arrows to move through the tour to learn about the different tests.

Susan G. Komen® Patient Care Center

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When a breast biopsy is needed

If the finding looks like it might be breast cancer, the next step is a breast biopsy. A biopsy removes a small amount of tissue in the breast to check for cancer.

If the biopsy shows no cancer, you return to your regular schedule of screening with mammograms and clinical breast exams.

If breast cancer is found, it can be treated. With standard treatment, people who have breast cancers found early have a high chance of survival.

If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, a patient navigator at your medical center may help you coordinate your care.

Learn more about breast biopsies and breast cancer diagnosis.

Learn about breast cancer treatment.

Learn about breast cancer screening recommendations for women at average risk.

Learn about breast cancer screening recommendations for women at higher risk.

Learn about breast cancer screening recommendations for transgender people.

Follow-up on a breast lump

The most common abnormal finding from a clinical breast exam is a lump. A lump is also called a palpable mass, meaning it can be felt.

Your health care provider may insert a needle into the lump or order a breast ultrasound to check whether the lump is fluid-filled or solid.

If it’s fluid-filled, it’s most likely a cyst. Cysts are a benign (not cancer) breast condition and often don’t need treatment.

If the breast lump is solid, it could be breast cancer and often needs more testing.

Women younger than 30

In women under 30, most breast lumps are benign (not cancer).

Follow-up usually begins with a breast ultrasound and possibly a diagnostic mammogram.

For some women, the first step may be observation (watching and waiting). This involves re-checking the lump after 1-2 menstrual periods to see if it goes away. Often the lump will go away during that time.

If you don’t want to wait, talk with your health care provider or get a second opinion.

Some women will need a breast biopsy to check whether or not the lump is breast cancer.

Learn more about breast biopsies and breast cancer diagnosis.

Women ages 30 and older

For women 30 and older, follow-up on a breast lump usually begins with a mammogram (diagnostic mammogram) and a breast ultrasound.

Some women will need a breast biopsy to check whether or not the lump is breast cancer.

Learn more about breast biopsies and breast cancer diagnosis.

Other abnormal findings

Other abnormal findings during a clinical breast exam may include (see pictures):

• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge  
• Pain

As with a lump, these findings need proper follow-up to be sure they aren’t breast cancer.  

 Updated 3/20/24