Found a Breast Lump in Hong Kong? Your Guide to Checks, Costs & Doctors

Finding a breast lump is usually no reason for increased anxiety and stress  as most breast lumps are harmless. Stay educated and aware of any changes you discover in your breasts. In this blog, we go through some reasons why you develop a  breast lump, what it means and what to do next, as well as some information on breast cancer.

Causes of Breast Lumps

There are different reasons why breast lumps develop. The two most common reasons for benign breast lumps are due to fibroadenomas and breast cysts^[1].

Fibroadenomas

A fibroadenoma is a common benign breast condition that often develops during puberty, but can occur in women of any age^[2]. They are solid tissue growths that can be tender or even painful, particularly before a period^[2].

A fibroadenoma is felt as a lump in the breast that is smooth and easily moves under the skin. There is no known cause of fibroadenoma, but it's likely due to hormonal changes^[2],[3].

Breast Cysts

Breast cysts are also a common benign breast condition caused by sacs (milk glands) filled with fluid secretions from breast glands. They typically develop as breasts change due to changes in hormonal levels^[4].

Breast cysts can feel soft or hard and can vary in size. Before menstruation, cysts may become more prominent and sorer as hormone levels change. Cysts can be aspirated with a fine needle to make them disappear if the pain is too much to handle^[5].

Be Breast Cancer Aware

Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by a doctor.

Regular self-examinations also help you become familiar with your breasts and any changes in your breasts. If you find a breast lump that concerns you, please visit your doctor.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

If breast cancer is detected and diagnosed early on, the likelihood of recovery is very high^[6][7]. That’s why it’s essential for women to check their breasts regularly, to know the symptoms, know their personal and family’s medical history and to have any changes examined by a doctor.

The first symptom most women notice is a lump or thickened area of tissue on the breast. Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but they should always be checked and cleared by a doctor.

Other common symptoms of breast cancer include^[8]:

• A new lump or area of thickened tissue that was not there before
• Change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
• Discharge from nipples
• Lump or swelling in armpits
• Dimpling on the breast skin
• Rash on or around your nipple
• Change in the appearance of your nipples
• Thickening of the skin & appearance of an “orange peel”

Note: Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.

You should see your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above.

What Can Breast Cancer Look and Feel Like?

Below is a visual example of how breast cancer can look like

Source: Know Your Lemons Foundation

How to Get Checked in Hong Kong: Public vs Private Pathways

If you have found a breast lump and want to get it examined by a doctor, it helps to understand how the healthcare system operates in Hong Kong. Generally, you have two pathways: the public sector (Hospital Authority) and the private sector. Both provide excellent medical standards, but the speed and process differ significantly.

The Public Pathway (Hospital Authority) 

The public healthcare route is highly affordable for Hong Kong residents, but it is a multi-step process that can be time-consuming.

• You must book an appointment at a General Outpatient Clinic (GOPC) or visit a private GP to have the lump physically assessed.

   

• If the doctor believes further investigation is needed, they will write you a referral letter to a specialist clinic or hospital imaging department.

   

• Your case will then be triaged based on urgency. While suspected malignant (cancerous) lumps are fast-tracked, the reality is that routine or "non-urgent" referrals for benign-feeling lumps often face waiting times of 12 months or more to receive a mammogram or ultrasound appointment.

The Private Pathway (OT&P Healthcare) 

Discovering a breast lump can be an incredibly anxious experience, and waiting months for answers is often not an option for peace of mind. Choosing a private healthcare provider like OT&P removes the wait times, tempers your anxiety and streamlines your care.

• Immediate Booking & Assessment: You can book an appointment with our experienced General Practitioners or Women's Health Specialists immediately, often on the very same day you find the lump.

   

• Same-Day Referrals: If imaging and/or biopsy is required, our doctors will provide a same-day referral letter.

   

• Fast Access to Scans and Imaging: Our clinic concierges will help you fast-track your booking at top-tier imaging centres. This gives you immediate access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, such as high-resolution 3D Mammograms and Breast Ultrasounds, ensuring accurate results and peace of mind in a short time.

Breast Lumps: When Should You Worry?

While most breast lumps are harmless, certain physical signs may indicate a need for prompt medical attention. You should see a doctor if you notice:

• A lump that feels hard, irregular, or fixed in place.
• Rapidly growing lumps or changes in the size or shape of a lump.
• A lump accompanied by other symptoms like nipple discharge (especially if it is bloody), skin dimpling, or changes in the nipple's appearance.
• Persistent pain that doesn’t coincide with your menstrual cycle.

If you experience any of these signs, consult your healthcare provider to understand the cause of your breast lump and determine the appropriate next steps.

Understanding Breast Lumps During Puberty: What Young Girls and Parents Should Know

Breast lumps in young girls are often a normal part of puberty and are typically caused by hormonal changes. During this time, it's common for girls to develop small, firm lumps under the nipple area, known as breast buds. These are usually benign breast lumps and can feel tender or sore.

However, if a lump feels unusually hard, grows quickly, or is accompanied by pain or skin changes, it is essential to see a doctor. Educating young girls about these changes can help them understand that breast lumps are a normal part of growing up, but also when to seek medical advice if there are concerning symptoms.

Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention

Breast Self-Examination

Self-breast examinations should be done once a month to familiarise yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel^[9]. It’s recommended to examine your breasts 2-3 days after your menstrual period. If you no longer menstruate, you should still examine your breasts regularly, around once a month^[5],[9]. Further, it is also beneficial to be aware of personal and family history of breast and ovarian cancers as these are proven risk factors.

Mammography

Mammography is a screening method that uses a low-dose x-ray to spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel. During a mammogram, breasts are placed between 2 plates to get an image of the breast tissue.

Mammograms are offered to women over 40 years old^[10] as the likelihood of breast cancer increases with age^[7]. While mammograms are the best screening tool for breast cancer available today, it isn’t perfect. There are some risks such as false-positive or false-negative results ^[6],[11]. We recommend discussing all your screening options with your doctor.

The Hong Kong Department of Health prefers to support the “breast aware” method, where all women are aware of their breasts’ changes and have discussions of these changes with their doctors^[6].

FAQs

Do I need a referral letter for a mammogram in Hong Kong?

Yes. Because a mammogram is an imaging procedure that uses ionising radiation (X-rays), standard medical practice and safety regulations in Hong Kong require you to have a referral letter from a registered medical practitioner. Whether you are using the public system or going to a private imaging centre, you must first consult a doctor who will assess your condition and write the referral to ensure the scan is medically justified.

How much does a breast ultrasound cost in Hong Kong?

If you choose to use the private healthcare sector to avoid long wait times, understanding the average mammogram cost in Hong Kong is an important first step. A standalone breast ultrasound generally costs between HK$1,000 and HK$2,500, depending on the clinic or private hospital. However, if you have discovered a lump, doctors will frequently recommend a comprehensive breast diagnostic package that combines a doctor's consultation, a 3D mammogram, and an ultrasound. For the costs of 3D mammograms, it is often more cost-effective to book combination packages, which typically range from HK$3,000 to HK$6,000+, as they offer the highest diagnostic accuracy.

What is the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?

Screening Mammogram: This is a routine preventive screening for women with no symptoms. It usually takes about 15 minutes and involves taking two standard X-ray views of each breast to look for early signs of cancer before a lump can even be felt.

Diagnostic Mammogram: This is used when you do have a symptom, such as a newly discovered breast lump, breast pain, or nipple discharge. A diagnostic mammogram takes a bit longer because the technologist takes detailed, highly targeted images from multiple angles to focus specifically on the area of concern.

Does insurance cover breast lump checks?

In most cases, yes.  Because you have discovered a physical symptom (a lump), investigating it is classified as a "medically necessary" procedure. Standard comprehensive health insurance plans in Hong Kong, including Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) plans, will typically cover the costs of your GP consultation, diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, and any necessary biopsies.

Well Woman Check-ups

In conclusion, most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it is always best to be safe and have them checked by a doctor.

Having a well-woman check-up is an excellent opportunity for women to discuss their concerns regarding breast lumps, breast screenings and other frequent areas of concern such as cancers and cervical health. You can learn more about our preventative screening packages here.

Check your breasts regularly and be breast aware.

References

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). ‘Common Benign Lumps’. Hopkins Medicine. Available at: <https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/common-benign-lumps> [Accessed 16 July 2021]
2. Breast Cancer Now. (2019). ‘Fibroadenoma’. Breast Cancer Now. July 2019. Available at: <https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/have-i-got-breast-cancer/benign-breast-conditions/fibroadenoma> [Accessed 16 July 2021]
3. Healthline. (2019). ‘Breast Lump’. Healthline. 14 August 2019. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-lump> [Accessed 16 July 2021]
4. Breast Cancer Now. (2019). ‘Breast Cysts’. Breast Cancer Now. May 2019. Available at: <https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/have-i-got-breast-cancer/breast-pain-other-benign-conditions/breast-cysts> [Accessed 16 July 2021]
5. Family Planning Association of Hong Kong. (2021). ‘Breast Problems and Breast Cancer’. FPAHK. Available at: <https://www.famplan.org.hk/en/health-info/common-gynaecological-diseases/breast-problems-and-breast-cancer> [Accessed 16 July 2021]
6. Centre for Health Protection. (2021). ‘Recommendations on Prevention and Screening for Breast Cancer for Health Professionals’. Centre for Health Protection. January 2021. Available at: <https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/breast_cancer_professional_hp.pdf> [Accessed 16 July 2021]
7. National Health Service. (2021). ‘Breast Cancer Screening’. NHS. 27 March 2021. Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening/> [Accessed 16 July 2021]
8. National Health Service. (2019). ‘Breast Cancer in Women’. NHS. 28 October 2019. Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/> [Accessed 16 July 2021]
9. Breast Cancer Org. (2019). ‘Breast Self-Exam’. Breastcancer.org. 24 October 2019. Available at: <https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam> [Accessed 16 July 2021]
10. Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. (2021). ‘Breast Screening FAQ’. HK Breast Cancer Foundation. Available at: <https://www.hkbcf.org/en/breast_health_centre/main/21/> [Accessed 16 July 2021]
11. Cancer Research UK. (2020). ‘Breast Screening’. Cancer Research UK. 03 September 2020. Available at: <https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening/breast-screening> [Accessed 16 July 2021]