Suspicious breast lumps

Suspicious breast lumps care at Mayo Clinic

Your Mayo Clinic care team

Specialists trained in medical imaging (radiology), medical cancer treatment (oncology), human tissue study (laboratory medicine and pathology), surgery, radiation therapy for cancer (radiation oncology), plastic and reconstructive surgery and clinical genomics diagnose and treat breast conditions at Mayo Clinic.

Having all this expertise in a single place, focused on you, means that you're not just getting one opinion. The most highly specialized breast condition experts in the world are all working together for you. Your care is discussed among the team. Your test results are available quickly, and all appointments are scheduled in coordination.

Advanced diagnosis

At Mayo Clinic, getting a diagnosis for your breast lump begins with a physical exam of your breasts. You also might need other tests, such as a mammogram, ultrasound or biopsy. If you get a biopsy, you may have to wait 2 to 3 days for the lab results.

Read more about breast biopsy and lumpectomy.

Treatment expertise

Treatment choices depend on the type of breast lump you have. Your Mayo Clinic doctor talks with you about your options and listens to your preferences. You'll work together to develop a treatment plan that's right for you, based on your condition.

If you're at high risk of getting breast cancer, you may benefit from Mayo Clinic's prevention and genetic counseling services.

Comprehensive, coordinated care

Doctors from Mayo Clinic's Breast Clinic coordinate needed services, from imaging to pathology and surgery, to make sure that you have a quick and efficient evaluation. You have most of your care at one facility, making care convenient. You can have a biopsy and get results within 24 to 72 hours. This reduces your waiting time and the need for multiple visits.

Expertise and rankings

Experience

Each year, Mayo Clinic doctors evaluate more than 20,000 people with suspicious breast lumps.

Experts in diagnosis and treatment

Specialists in Mayo Clinic's Breast Clinic offer advanced breast lump evaluation and diagnostic services. These include fine-needle aspiration, ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy, image-guided core needle biopsy and surgical biopsy.

Mayo Clinic offers a range of treatments, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgical procedures, such as lumpectomy. Mayo Clinic doctors often can schedule surgery for the next day for people who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Research leader

Mayo Clinic researchers conduct clinical trials devoted to improving diagnostic and treatment options for people with breast-related conditions. Doctors in Mayo Clinic's Breast Clinic research breast condition treatments, share information between Mayo Clinic locations and work with national research organizations, such as the National Cancer Institute.

Nationally recognized expertise

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center meets the strict standards for a U.S. National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center. These standards recognize scientific excellence and a multispecialty approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Locations, travel and lodging

Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.

For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:

Costs and insurance

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.

Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.

Living with suspicious breast lumps?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Breast Cancer support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community.

Breast Cancer Discussions

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