Aa
Worried lump owner.
I noticed a few small lumps in my breast about 10 years ago and the doctor said they were benign systs. They change size depending on where I am in my cycle. I have never considered giving them a worry until recently. Just this past month one became large and painful, and now I am worried about breast cancer. I will be making an appointment to see a physician, but in the meantime it is fair to say that I am freaking out. Is pain associated with breast CA or more so with benign cysts? What about size and diameter of the lumps? What information do I need to have when I see my PCP? Thank you. -greenweaver
Hi,
These are most probably fibroadenomas or fibrocystic changes because of the change with your menstrual cycle and because they have been there for the last 10 years. One of them might have got enlarged , or secondarily infected most probably. Fibroadenomas are known to regresss after menopause and tend to increase in size and become painful sometimes during the menstrual cycle, with OCP or HRT use. They are managed consevatively, as in your case until they grow very large or are painful when they can be surgically removed. You need to discuss with your physician about getting a screening mammogram done, a biopsy or removal of the fluid if it is cystic, whether a course of antibiotics will help you. Till then try some warm compressus and OTC painkillers. Goodluck.
These are most probably fibroadenomas or fibrocystic changes because of the change with your menstrual cycle and because they have been there for the last 10 years. One of them might have got enlarged , or secondarily infected most probably. Fibroadenomas are known to regresss after menopause and tend to increase in size and become painful sometimes during the menstrual cycle, with OCP or HRT use. They are managed consevatively, as in your case until they grow very large or are painful when they can be surgically removed. You need to discuss with your physician about getting a screening mammogram done, a biopsy or removal of the fluid if it is cystic, whether a course of antibiotics will help you. Till then try some warm compressus and OTC painkillers. Goodluck.
Hi.
It is a general misconception that breast cancer does not cause pain. Breast pain can occur in both benign and malignant tumors of the breast but are more associated with benign lesions. Both can also present in different sizes such that diagnosis cannot be ascertained just by this parameter.
However, malignant lesions usually develop insidiously and grow slower than benign conditions.
For your case, it would be premature to consider breast cancer as the primary differential diagnosis until further work-up has been done. With a history of breast cysts, it would more likely suggest that the lump you are concerned for right now might still be one.
Go ahead with your consult with the doctor and have a mammogram, ultrasound or even a biopsy done to assist in the diagnosis.
Good luck.
It is a general misconception that breast cancer does not cause pain. Breast pain can occur in both benign and malignant tumors of the breast but are more associated with benign lesions. Both can also present in different sizes such that diagnosis cannot be ascertained just by this parameter.
However, malignant lesions usually develop insidiously and grow slower than benign conditions.
For your case, it would be premature to consider breast cancer as the primary differential diagnosis until further work-up has been done. With a history of breast cysts, it would more likely suggest that the lump you are concerned for right now might still be one.
Go ahead with your consult with the doctor and have a mammogram, ultrasound or even a biopsy done to assist in the diagnosis.
Good luck.
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