breast lump

[jewelia]

I am 22 years old and just have a few questions: 1)If you have a lump in your breast and it is not painful and sometimes it feels as if it changes in size, and you can move it around if you push on it but otherwise it stays in the same place, what is the likelihood that it is cancerous? 2)If your breasts have not developed yet by the age of 22 does this mean that you have abnormal breast growth that has something to do (or can have something to do) with cancer?
I am going to the doctor to check this out very soon, but i am very terrified of what to expect.  I was just hoping if you could give me some input on these questions it might give me a better idea of what to expect. Thank you very much for your help.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear jewelia:  It is not uncommon for breasts to feel lumpy. Most of the time, in a person who is 22 years old, these movable lumps turn out to be normal breast anatomy.  If your breasts have not developed, it is more likely due to hormones or weight (are you extremely thin?) than any cancer.  It is reasonable to be examined by a physician.  You will likely get answers to both questions that will put your mind at ease.

[surgeon]

a moveable lump which changes is size and is in a 22 year old is most likely not cancer. But in any woman, a new lump needs evaluation, as you have arranged. The rate and timing of breast development has no known relationship to cancer or to cancer risk.