Pain and lump in breast

[ses1227]

Hi there,

I'm 26 years old and noticed a couple weeks ago a lump on my right breast. I noticed it while menstruating but decided to go see my gyno because it was very unusual. He said he was pretty sure it was normal swelling from my period and to keep an eye on it. I was schedule for my annual exam about a month and a half after I went in for the exam so he said we would revisit it then.

After my period ended the lumpiness was still there but wasn't painful. It's been about two weeks since my period ended and all of a sudden I have a lot of pain in the area where the lumpiness is. The lumpy area is now roughly the size of a golf ball, stiff, and painful to touch. It almost feels like a muscle knot that you get in your back or neck.

I'd like to get examined again but I'm not sure if I'm just being paranoid. Also, I live with two female roommates and once has started to get PMS symptoms this week. Could this pain be related to her menstrual cycle??

Thank you, thank you, thank you for ANY insight!

[ses1227]

Yes, I have heard that breast pain isn't usually associated with breast cancer, except in advanced stages. The pain is centralized in one area on my right breast and there is definitely a distinct lump. I guess my question would be is it dangerous to wait to be examined if you're experiencing centralized pain and feeling an abnormal lump? Do these sound like the symptoms of a cyst?

Thanks again for your insight!

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear ses1227, I'm not exactly sure what the question is that you are asking.  Breast pain is a common breast symptom.  The reason for breast pain is not clearly understood, and is not usually associated with breast cancer.  Breast pain is sometimes associated with hormonal variations and is then called cyclical breast pain.  Noncyclical breast pain does not seem to be linked to hormonal variations and is often localized to one area of the breast tissue.  Noncyclical breast pain may or may not be the result of an injury to the breast.  

Sometimes breast can feel lumpy without a distinct lump, what you are feeling for in a self breast exam is a new lump or in the case of usually lumpy feeling breasts, you are looking for changes.  Follow up with your doctor who can evaluate these changes and recommend whether you should move up the appointment or leave it as it is.