Breast Lump Did Not Show Up on Ultrasound but Has Grown?

A few months ago, I found 2 lumps in my left breast (one right above the nipple and one in the lower left corner).  They were both mobile (they moved when you pushed them) and hard, and neither of them showed up on the ultrasound.  However, the one under my nipple seems to have multiplied in size since then, but I'm not sure because I really can't remember what it was like months ago -- it's about the size of a nickel now, but I remember it being the size of a pea.  Also, over the past few days my left nipple has started to hurt when something touches it a certain way.  Can benign breast lumps grow?  Is this a cause for concern?

(I no longer have insurance or a doctor, so I'm trying to figure out if I should take this seriously.)

[ncmichigan]

Any changes in your breasts are cause for concern, and yes, benign lumps can grow.
"Concern" shouldn't mean "panic", but you definitely should get this checked out by a doctor. Many communities have free clinics and diagnostic testing available for women who can't afford it. Please look into this. You don't give your age but from the sound of this, and statistically, these lumps are mostly likely benign. They may very well be "normal" for you and could be affected by hormonal changes. However, you won't know for sure unless you get them checked. I believe all the "what ifs" are way worse than knowing what is. Please follow up and let us know the outcome if you wish. I'm hoping you'll find some financial assistance, but even if you have to give up something to get checked, please do!
I'm wishing you well and hope for benign results for you.
Hugs,
nc

[ncmichigan]

Any changes in your breasts are cause for concern, and yes, benign lumps can grow.
"Concern" shouldn't mean "panic", but you definitely should get this checked out by a doctor. Many communities have free clinics and diagnostic testing available for women who can't afford it. Please look into this. You don't give your age but from the sound of this, and statistically, these lumps are mostly likely benign. They may very well be "normal" for you and could be affected by hormonal changes. However, you won't know for sure unless you get them checked. I believe all the "what ifs" are way worse than knowing what is. Please follow up and let us know the outcome if you wish. I'm hoping you'll find some financial assistance, but even if you have to give up something to get checked, please do!
I'm wishing you well and hope for benign results for you.
Hugs,
nc

[Cheerpul]

Check with your doctor's office and the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to see if and where there may be assistance available in your area.  You may also want to try a Frist Call for Help -type agency that is a clearinghouse of helping agency information.

Another thing that you can do is to utilize food pantries and other assistance to help you save money towards a medical bill.  The people who run pantries may know of medical assistance programs also.  We are almost in October which is breast cancer awareness month and there are many special programs being offered at this time.

Any lump is cause for concern to get it checked out early.  nc has it right that you should not panic (what good does it do?) but do not ignore any breast changes.  I am thinking of you.

[julie567]

Thanks so much to both ncmichigan and Cherpul.  I did not know all those resources existed but am glad they do and I'm glad I know about them now!  I agree that it's probably benign, so I wasn't too worried, but it definitely is a lot easier to not worry when you know for sure.  I actually stopped feeling the pain after a few days, which was encouraging.