Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

painful lumps

HI

I'm 35 years old. My mum died from Breast Cancer 11 years ago at the age of 53. She was first diagnosed with the condition at about 48. I gave birth to my first child 18 months ago and suffered from mastitis about a week after the birth, this was treated by antibiotics.

I've never had painful or lumpy breasts but in the last 3 months have experienced a great deal of pain and lumpiness, first in the right and now in the left breast. This happens for about 2.5 to 3 weeks per month. Once the pain and most of the lumpiness subsides, there is one persistent lump in the right breast, always in the same place.

I'm worried sick. Have an appointment to be seen at a breast clinic in a month's time - is there anything in particular I should be asking about, any tests I should be insisting on?



Thanks for any insights, advice, reassurance, whatever

IrishinLondon
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thanks for these answers - I'm feeling slightly more confident now and feel better equipped for my appointment next month

Thanks
IiL
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Cyclic pain and lumpiness, while annoying, aren't typically  signs of cancer. But a lump which persists needs attention. If the lump to which you refer is only noticeable at certain times of the month, you should be sure to have followup at an appropriate time if, at the time of your visit, it's not as definable as at other times. As to what specific tests: when there is a definite lump, the choices are many. Sometimes followup alone is ok, if the examiner and patient are very confident it's a harmless lump and a mammogram is ok. Sometimes sampling it with a needle is done as a quick office procedure; if the lump is a cyst -- which from your description it could well be, because the pattern is consistent with fibrocystic changes -- the needle would produce fluid and cause the lump to go away. Depending on the facilities available, if the needle doesn't return fluid, it can produce a bit of tissue that can be examined microscopically. When a lump feels benign, and the needle tissue sample is ok, and a mammogram is ok, the chance of missing cancer is very remote. At some point, you'll likely need a mammogram. And, depending on the nature of the lump, it might be recommended to do a surgical biopsy.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear IrishinLondon, What to expect with the examination is that they will do a history and physical exam.  Be sure to point out where you are feeling the persistant lump.  They will ask about how long it has been there, any changes etc.  They will also ask questions regarding your health history etc.  Likely further evaluation beyond physical examination will be recommended such as an ultrasound and mammogram.  If they do send you for further testing ask about when to expect results, and how you will be notified of the results.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Breast Cancer Forum

Popular Resources
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
From mammograms to personal hygiene, learn the truth about these deadly breast cancer rumors.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.