Self-examination, initial identification of breast lumps, good or bad Breast lumps are often found unintentionally by patients, but once found, many patients are very nervous about whether they are suffering from cancer. Here we introduce a little knowledge to help you identify the benignity and malignancy of breast lumps initially. First of all, you should learn how to palpate the breast correctly to avoid mistaking the gland for a lump. The correct way to palpate the breast is to use the index, middle and ring fingers together parallel to the breast and palpate clockwise or counterclockwise, rather than pinching and grasping. Next, there are a few simple identification points to know. Benign lumps are more likely to develop at the age of 15-30 years old, with good mobility, clear borders and smooth surface on palpation, and if there is tenderness and the lump has good elasticity, the possibility of cystic breast is considered high. Most malignant lumps develop after the age of 35. On palpation, the lump has poor activity, unclear borders and an uneven surface, and sometimes enlarged lymph nodes in the ipsilateral axilla can be palpated. Of course, the above methods only serve as the patient’s self-examination and preliminary conclusions, the discovery of breast lumps is best to go to a regular hospital breast specialist to avoid delaying the disease.