How can i tell if a breast lump is cancerous?

Biopsy: It is often very difficult to distinguish between benign breast lumps and cancer by examination alone. While mammograms and ultrasounds may provide some useful information, the only way to be 100% certain is by performing a biopsy.

Mammogram & sonogram: Mammogram and ultrasound are first steps. Majority of lumps are cysts , non cancerous glandular tissue or fibrocystic change. Mammogram may or may not reveal lump, but ultrasound can distinguish a cyst (fluid pocket) from a solid mass. The majority of solid masses, especially in a woman less than 40 years old, are not cancerous.

You can't: You need a physician to see and examine you and order the proper tests!

Breast Biopsy: It is very difficult to distinguish a benign breast lump from a cancer for patient and doctor. Depending upon age and physical examination findings, we will often get a mammogram and ultrasound to help evaluate a breast lump, sometimes culminating in a (nonsurgical) needle-biopsy--ultimately, the only way to be 100% certain is to look at the tissue under the microscope.

Imaging/Biopsy: Through imaging and a biopsy.