MELAKA, Oct. 6 -- A breast lump does not have to be painful to warrant medical attention, and women should not assume it is harmless simply because it feels mobile or changes with the menstrual cycle.

Consultant General Surgeon Dr Ong Kheng Wah of Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre said while breast lumps were common and often benign, a new or unusual one should be assessed, particularly if it persisted or was associated with other changes.

Common causes include fibroadenomas, cysts, hormonal or fibrocystic changes, inflammation, infection and fat necrosis. Fibroadenomas are particularly common among younger women, while cysts and fibrocystic changes can be associated with hormonal fluctuations.

Benign lumps could feel smooth or mo...