lumpy breasts

Ever since I took a class called Preventing Cancer I've started doing a monthly examination of my breasts.  Well I've found my breasts are quite lumpy.  I have larger breasts and the lumps kind of alarmed me.  I did another after my period.  During my period I felt harder lumps under my nipples.  After my period, the normal kind of rubbery feeling lumps were there.  I have been having some under arm pain (no swelling in the lymph nodes and no bumps) and some pain deep in my breasts.  Almost in the muscle.  But I am more concerned with the lumps.  I have no history of breast cancer in my family and I just turned 22.  Any input would be appreciated.

[daniellalisr]

Also, I have some dimpling on the left breast  (which is larger than the right and always has been) when I raise my arms that has been there since I lost weight and gained some back.

[zouzi]

Hi,
Breast changes are common and often get better without any treatment. But you may be able to lessen or control the pain associated with fibrocystic or cyclic breast pain. First,consider some suggestions until you are able to make an appointment to see you doctor.  

Limit your intake of caffeine in coffee and soft drinks, tea, and chocolate Some women report improvement in pain when they limit these.Also limit your salt intake.

Wear a well-fitted bra or sports bra for support, especially if you have large breasts. You may also want to wear a comfortable bra to bed

Apply warm compresses to your breasts for pain relief.

Talk with your doctor about using birth control pills to control your hormone levels and about taking Vitamin E.
It's a very good thing that you are doing BSE monthly,but this is not enough..When you have breast lumps, you need to see your family doctor for a clinical breast exam to make sure that all is fine.Best wishes and God Bless.

[daniellalisr]

I have a doctor's appointment next week.  I'm not too worried since I have identical lumps in both but I definitely need to limit my caffiene.  I drink way too much of it.  Also, I thought birth control pills heightened the risk of breast cancer?  I could be wrong.

Thank you!

[zouzi]

Hi,
First of all I am glad that you have scheduled an appointment to see your doctor.
I have found some information concerning birth control pills that you might find useful.Some doctors prescribe BC pills to control the hormones levels in the body and lessen fibrocystic pain, but since you also have lumps,maybe the information below is more appropriate.
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Researchers have confirmed earlier studies that women who use birth control pills have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. New study findings were reported in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (Vol.11: 1375-1381).
Because the growth of breast tissue depends on a woman’s hormones, researchers have focused on hormone containing drugs as one risk factor for breast cancer.

Recent studies have found birth control pills also increase breast cancer risk, but the evidence hasn’t been as strong as that for hormone replacement therapy (usually prescribed for post menopausal women). Most of the reports depended on women with breast cancer remembering whether they took the pills, when they took them, and for how long.
When you'll see your doctor,ask him about this matter,I am sure that you'll be much better informed for everything that is concerning you. Best wishes and God Bless.