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Large Lump in Breast

I am 24 years old and located a large lump on the left side of my left breast. It is hard to the touch and is about the size of a grape, maybe a little larger. I just noticed it yesterday in the shower and it seems as though it appeared immediately. I did not notice any pain before; however, it is somewhat painful to the touch. It is solid and does not move around when it is touched. It almost seems as though it is attached to the breast tissue.

I am unaware if breast cancer is in my genes because I was adopted and I have been given no history of illnesses in my genetic line.

I also do not currently have health insurance (my coverage ended when I turned 24). I want to schedule an appointment with my family physician which would only cost me about $75.00 for the visit. However, I am inquiring as to whether it is really necessary for me to seek help immediately. I have had several people state that it is just a cyst and to wait it out. But nonetheless, I am worried. If I visit my doctor and he states that further medical help is needed (mamogram, ultrasound, etc.), is there financial assistance available?

Any response would be appreciated. I am extremely worried.
12 Responses
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, i have a reoccuring painful large breast lump was started.
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Avatar universal
Nasus 65, When my lumps appeared my doctor always sent me for a mammogram and made an appointment with a surgeon for a few days later. She felt the surgeon was the expert and thought I would want to discuss results/options with him. Each time I had at least 1 "area of interest" on my mammogram and ultrasound and each time biopsy was recommended. I've had 3 benign biopsies in the past 9 years and am waiting on the 4th. Most lumps turn out benign but it sure feels better knowing that for certain than worrying.
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127512 tn?1193742216
I  am in the same situation as you. See my post at the top of this forum. Some good info there.
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Avatar universal
Hello,
I am 40 and in great health. I had the 40 year old check  up with my OB and he scheduled me for a mammogram and it came back perfect. 2 weeks to the day I found a 1cm lump in my right breast. I went back to my OB and he is having me see a surgeon for a "2nd opion".There is no breast cancer in my family.I am pretty scared.What does it mean when you are sent directly to a surgeon? Is this 1cm small in terms of breast cancer?
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Avatar universal
Hi Melan,  I'm 32, have a lump and am breastfeeding.  I've already had an ultrasound with negative results and a mammogram that just said that I have 'prominent residual glandular tissue'.  Whatever that means and that there is no secondary signs of malignancy.  I am to schedule another mammogram in a year.  I went to my gp to discuss the results and she said that it was probably due to breast feeding.  She figured that it was the result of the milk ducts swelling.  I hope she's right and it's that simple.  I feel like I should get more testing or a second opinion because a lump makes you worry, but all my results have been negative and I don't feel like I really have a legitimate reason to pursue the matter further.  I understand how you must be feeling.
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Avatar universal
I'm 34 and breastfeeding my 2 month old.  Last week, I noticed a very hard lump on the far left side of my right breast (about 3:30 pm on a clock).  I called and got into my obgyn within a week and she sent me on for a breast ultrasound.  The radiology dr still didn't know what it was so he is sending me to a surgeon.  I'm scared to death I have cancer.  I've read online that about 80% of lumps are benign but given that the dr told me it is not a clogged duct or a cyst, I'm even more worried - because cysts are common.  I've read about something else called Fibroadenomas that is common in women around my age or slightly younger - they are benign tumors.  Since mine is hard and painless it seems like that could be it but since these are common it seems the dr would have known what it was then.  This lump seemed to appear overnight.  The dr measured it at about 2 cms.  Both my obgyn and the radiologist said it doesn't seem to look or feel like the cancers they've seen but maybe they are just trying not to worry me more.  I thought both drs would say - oh it's nothing  - and it would be done with.  Now that it's going to a 3rd dr, I'm so worried.  I also don't want anything to prevent me from nursing my baby so even if it's benign and they have to cut it out, I'm worried.  Also, since it's right in the middle of my boobs, any scar would show in a v-neck or bathingsuit.  I'm just about entirely flat chested so I don't see how removing a lump wouldn't cause an indention or hole since there is hardly any breast there to begin with.  If anyone has been referred from ob to radiology and on to surgeon and it turned out to be nothing, would you let me know?  Also, both drs said it could be related to breastfeeding or hormonal changes.  Again, if anyone has experienced this would you let me know.  Thanks,

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142384 tn?1275501337
I am 28 and when I went in for a routine physical, my doctor found a lump just off my aerola on the right breast. Since all the poking and proding, it has become painful and I have a mammogram and an ultrasound scheduled later in the week. The doctor says that due to my age it is most likely a cyst and the mammogram and ultrasound will show the characteristics for further diagnosis. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a nice round fluid filled sac that can easily be drained. I am thankful that I was able to get in for the mammogram and ultrasound so soon. Not knowing what is happening to my body is a whole lot worse than the Dr's bill.
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Avatar universal
UPDATE: I went to my family physician today and he is unsure of what it could be. So, I am scheduled to have a mammogram tomorrow. In the meantime, he put me on some antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory. I am hoping for the best.
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Avatar universal
Dear tricia0814,   Without further evaluation of the lump it is difficult to say what it is.  If it doesn't go away in a few days and you are concerned, having it checked is the right thing to do.   If your doctor needs to refer you for further evaluation discuss with them your situation, they may be able to direct you.  You can also check with your local hospital social service department as to what they may have available in your community for someone in this situation where a breast lump needs to be further evaluated.  

Another possible resource is the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund.  Through the Fund, financial support is made available to community-based programs providing education and outreach to medically underserved women.  You can locate the program closest to you be entering the "Funded Programs by states" page on their website at http://www.avonbreastcare.org/funded.asp . If there is no Avon funded program in your state, you can contact your local Center for Disease Control (CDC) by going to their web site at: <http://www.cdc.gov>/ or by calling 1-800-311-3435.
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25201 tn?1255580836
Any lump should be evaluated by your physician. I would think that your personal physician would be the way to go at this point since it's also a financial concern. You might seek help from The Susan G. Komen Foundation as they do fund treatment, etc. related to breast cancer (mammograms, etc.) for under and un-insured patients. Think positive ..... BUT check it out !!!
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Avatar universal
Hi there, a large tender lump that appears quickly, is likely a fluid filled cyst. They will likely send you for an ultrasound and if it is indeed a cyst, they will aspirate it.

It is best if you can see a breast surgeon or specialist. I just had a cyst,  and the ultrasound and aspiration was done, on the spot, in the doc's office. Try not to worry too much.  Most breast lumps are benign.

Linda J
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Avatar universal
Thank you Linda J. I am sure hoping that it isn't serious.
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