Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care if breast symptoms occur with severe illness, confusion, fainting, difficulty breathing, or other signs that you may be seriously unwell.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange a routine but prompt appointment for:
A new breast or underarm lump
A lump that persists after a menstrual period
A known lump that grows, hardens, or changes
Pain that is persistent, severe, or limited to one area
New nipple discharge, especially from one breast
Nipple inversion that is new
Skin puckering, dimpling, thickening, or a change in breast shape
A cyst that quickly returns after drainage
These signs do not necessarily mean cancer, but they should not be attributed to fibrocystic changes without assessment.
Seek urgent same-day care if a breast becomes red, hot, rapidly swollen, and painful, especially if you also have a fever or feel unwell.
These symptoms can indicate an infection or abscess, which is a pocket of infected fluid.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For stable, previously assessed fibrocystic changes, use the routine follow-up plan provided by your breast clinic or primary care clinician.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Fibrocystic breasts. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.