axillary tail thickening

[metalgirl70]

I have a thickening with some lumpiness in my left breast, the upper part known as the axillary tail.  This thickening feels like there are some oblong type lumps and generally the tissue is more dense in that area.

  My right breast is completely smooth feeling.

I'm 37 and had 1 aunt on dad's side with breast cancer.

I went to my doctor and she said "don't worry about it".  Well I was worried and I asked for an ultrasound.  She rolled her eyes at me, but did order the ultrasound anyway, to placate me.

Nothing was found on the ultrasound so I went to see a surgeon who specializes in the breast.  He had his own ultrasound machine and he redid the ultrasound and found a lipoma among the thickened tissue.  He wants me to come back in 2 months to see if there are any changes in the thickened tissue.  

I worry about this every day, so much that it is impacting my life and my relationships.  The surgeon is reluctant to do a biopsy on me since I have breast implants.

Are there any normal / benign  conditions that cause asymmetrical thickening ( a ropey feeling)?  Everything I look at on the Internet talks about lobular cancer and I'm scared.

Thanks!

[Dr Santos]

How are you? It is always good to be vigilant with regards to our health. However, there are risk factors that make one more susceptible to breast cancer such as age, personal or family history of breast cancer, genetic predisposition, radiation exposure, early onset of menstrual cycle, first pregnancy at an older age, smoking,  or alcohol intake (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/DS00328/DSECTION=4)
Otherwise, you don't have to worry at all.

There are plenty of women who experience the same worries and anxiety. It would be good to have a support group in your community or even in the internet that are in the same situation you are in and not compromise your love ones.

This is one link that discuss the breast and the diseases associated, both benign and malignant: http://www.ihs.gov/medicalprograms/MCH/M/MCHdownloads/Chap_P.pdf?page=2

I hope this helps. Take care and keep us posted.

[Nancy277]

Did you have a mamo done? I would do that to put you at ease.