20 years old....and i found a lump

[Myygoodness]

Hello Everyone,

let me give you some background...
I'm a 20 year old female...and my mother had breast cancer when she was 40..she survived it and is now cancer free for almost 6 years..
Upon doing a monthly self brest exam...i discovered a lump in my left breast, under the nipple...it can be felt, when i am sitting or when standing with my arm up...i have no lumps anywhere else, just right directly under the nipple..it gives me no pain..and a little larger than a marbel..i have set an appointment tomorrow for 11 am with my gynocologist, due to my family history, i don't want to wait anymore..

can someone give me tips on how to control my anxiety until tomorrow?
thank you.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

First of all, the most common causes of lumps and nodules for your age, even with the family history of breast cancer, is still benign conditions such as fibroadenoma or fibrocystic disease.  These would usually manifest in accordance with your menstrual cycle and can usually regress upon withdrawal of menses.  However, I agree that you show this to your doctor so that you can be worked up properly.

Regards and God bless.

[Myygoodness]

Thank you. I saw a physicans assistant at my doctor's office, my doctor was sick(never truely thought about that one before! doctors are human, therefore they can get sick!, lol)..but the PA said she felt no concern about it, and said she was almost 100% positive that it is a fibroadenoma, and not to mess with it more than once a month..she also told me that it may have to do with my caffeine and salt intake..awesome..

Thanks again!