Malignant Neoplasm of Female Breast: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Malignant Neoplasm of Female Breast?
A breast surgeon operates on breast problems and often leads the cancer care team. An OB/GYN often finds breast changes first and sends patients to a specialist. Care may also involve an oncologist, a radiation specialist, and nurses. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a steady first contact, ordering mammograms and referring to a specialist if cancer is suspected.
What it is
A malignant neoplasm of the female breast is a cancer: abnormal cells that grow out of control and can spread to other parts of the body. Most start in the milk ducts or milk glands, and cells can travel to nearby lymph nodes and sometimes to bones, lungs, liver, or brain. Treatment works best when it is found early.
Symptoms
Many breast cancers cause no symptoms at first, which is why screening matters. When symptoms appear, they can include a new lump in the breast or under the arm, a change in the size, shape, or skin of the breast such as dimpling, fluid leaking from the nipple, skin redness or flaking, or a nipple that turns inward.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly what causes breast cancer. It happens when cells develop gene changes that make them grow without control; some are inherited, such as in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Risk goes up with age, and most cases happen in women over 50. Other risks include family history, being overweight, drinking alcohol, and certain hormone medicines after menopause. Many women who get it have no known risks.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosis usually starts with a mammogram, an X-ray of the breast. If it shows something unusual, the doctor may order an ultrasound or MRI. The next step is often a biopsy, removing a small piece of tissue for a lab to check. If cancer is found, staging tests show how big it is and whether it has spread, which guides treatment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cancer type, its stage, and the patient's health and wishes. Surgery can remove the lump or the whole breast. Radiation uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells, and chemotherapy uses strong medicines that travel through the body. Hormone therapy can block cancers that respond to hormones, and other medicines target specific gene changes.
When to see a doctor
Any new lump in the breast or under the arm deserves a doctor's visit, even if it does not hurt. Other reasons to call include nipple discharge, skin changes, swelling, or a nipple that turns inward. Regular screening mammograms can find cancer before symptoms start; the right schedule depends on age and risk.
Common questions
Is a breast lump always cancer?
No. Most breast lumps are not cancer. They are often cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, or benign growths that do not spread. Any new lump should still be checked by a doctor.
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes, men can get breast cancer, though it is much less common than in women. Men who notice a lump or change should see a doctor.
Do mammograms hurt?
Mammograms can feel uncomfortable because the breast is pressed between two plates for a few seconds. The discomfort is brief, and many people find it mild.
Can breast cancer be prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent it. Keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, staying active, and following screening advice can lower the risk for some people.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
