Breast self-exams are a good way for you to learn what your breasts normally look and feel like. When you know what’s normal for you, you're better able to notice changes and know when to get help early instead of waiting for your next checkup.

A self-exam is not a substitute for a mammogram or a clinical breast exam.

Most women who see a health professional for breast pain and lumpiness learn that they have fibrocystic, or cyclic, breast changes. Because this is a common condition that has nothing to do with cancer, this is good news. But if you have a new lump that does not go away after a menstrual period, it might not be cyclic. If you are not sure whether your symptoms are cyclic and harmless, see your health professional for a clinical breast exam.

Because fibrocystic breast pain and lumps are a noncancerous condition, most women who have it do not require additional exams or tests. If your health professional needs more information to make a firm diagnosis or if you need reassurance, your health professional may recommend:

• A mammogram.
• A breast ultrasound.

In some cases, your health professional may also recommend:

• A urine or blood pregnancy test if there is a chance that you may be pregnant. Breast tenderness and a missed period are signs of possible pregnancy.
• A breast needle biopsy, which involves using a hollow needle to withdraw a small amount of tissue for testing.
• An MRI, which uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide computerized pictures of the breast. An MRI can show trauma, infection, inflammation, or tumors.