lumps

Hi,
I am 29 years old and have been married for 10 years. We have no children. Last month during my menstruation my breasts were very painful. AFter my periods, 10 days later,i checked my breasts. My right breast felt normal but my left breast felt lumpy. On the left side i felt a kind of knot and also another underneath my nipple. I thought i was been paranoid so i checked the breast again first thing the next morning and continued to do so until this month's period. Everyday the lump or lumps were there. I have no discharge through my nipple. I just have a slight dis-colouration on the left of my breast. If i press on it the lump is underneath.The lumps do not move and and solid. Another thing i have noticed is that my within a month my left breast is slight larger than my right.
I can visibly see the different even through my clothes when i am lying down.
My mum's sister died 2 years ago with cancer and last year my mum developed breast cancer. She is under going treatment at the moment and as the lump was caught early everything is fine.
My question is that i don't now what to do. Am i paranoid that i have a lump due to my family history. Is the lump growing? Is that why my left breast looks bigger? I would be really grateful for your advise.

Thank you for your time.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear musiq:  It is not uncommon for young women to develop fibrocystic breast disease, particularly during the menstrual cycle.  This is a benign condition.  However, given your family history, it would be a good idea to see your doctor for examination.  He/she may be able to better determine the source of your lump.  They may also have recommendations for you to follow with regard to screening.  Mammography is not usually recommended for women in your age group because breast tissue is more dense, making interpretation of the film very difficult.  Most women do have one breast larger than the other but if you have noticed an obvious change, it would reaffirm the need to see your doctor.