Why can't i find or feel the 1cm smooth breast lump on self exam my doctor can feel?

Exams are subjective: Sometimes masses are mobile and are difficult to feel if you are standing/sitting up vs laying down. Some women have "lumpy breasts and what feels normal to them may feel abnormal to the md. A good idea would be to have the md put your fingers directly on the mass so that you know what he/she is feeling. Does imaging confirm the mass in the same place he/she indicated? If so, biopsy.

Know your breast : If you feel something different on self examination, that is important as you may do self-exams daily showering. On exams you should look for skin and nipple retractions. An ultrasound may show if the mass is solid or a cyst.