title: Managing the breast lump. Solving the dilemma--reassurance versus investigation.
abstract: This article studies the dilemma faced by the general practitioner when a woman presents with a selfdetected breast lump. It emphasises the processes involved in determining whether the lump is a 'real' lump, and whether further action is warranted. In all instances an accurate clinical diagnosis is inextricably intermingled with a response to the personal needs of each woman.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hirst
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001940:Breast; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010173:Palpation