lump inside nipple and painful

[GMY]

I've been breastfeeding for 1.5 years and experienced mastitis for abour 3, 4 times. But for the past days my right nipple became really painful when I nursed. The nipple looks just fine, but i feel a small and hard lump in the nipple where the pain locates.

I saw my ob-gyn yesterday but she didn't feel it and didn't think anything wrong with it. But she suggested i see a surgeon if it lasts for another week. The lump is just there how come she didn't feel it? I still have to breastfeed or I'll get mastitis easily. But it's really painful. Anyone has any idea? Thx.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

There can be several reasons for this.  One is that this can be an engorged cistern (a space that collects milk before it goes out of the nipple).  This is usually the most common reason for lumps like these during lactation.  Another possible cause is a beginning mastitis that will initially present with a lump and later inflame and become swollen.  I agree in showing this to your surgeon so that this can be evaluated properly.  Regards and God bless.  

[GMY]

Thank you, PaulMD. I've made an appointment with a surgeon but the earliest available appointment is next Wed because the doc is away for the long weekend. Oh! The lump  has become visible now --- it's larger and redish, and of course, still painful.

I heard lecithin could help treating mastitis. I'm gonna buy lecithin tomorrow and try it. Hopefully it at least helps me sustain in the following days till I see the doc next Wed.