A question about my breast lump? PLEASE help!!

[gelhec30]

Hi everyone.  I know that nobody will be able to diagnose me or anything like that (I am going to a doctor about my breast lump soon) but I could use some advice.

I am 18 years old and a few weeks ago I experienced some irritation to my breast (my fault, because my breasts tend to be very sensitive and I wasn't being careful).  As a result, my whole breast hardened up and hurt, kind of like it does before my period (this was a few weeks ago).  Eventually this went away, but I was left with a lump right under my nipple in the lower part of my areola.  The lump was soft, it hurt to be touched, but was smooth and easily movable with the breast tissue.  A few days ago, the lump got very hard, a little bigger (it is pretty big, about the size of a walnut), and hurt a lot more.  I read somewhere that cysts do this right before your period and I *think* my period is coming soon (I don't keep track very well).  I still wasn't very concerned until yesterday when I noticed that the part of my areola where the lump is has little dimples on it and is a little redder than the rest.  Also, my nipple isn't inverted but I notice it isn't coming out as far anymore when its hard.  The breast lump hurts A LOT when touched, but still feels smooth and moves.  Sometimes it tingles and hurts randomly too.  The rest of my breast and areola look and feel normal.

My doctor's appointment is for the end of this week and I'm already worried.  I read somewhere that dimples are a pretty good indication of cancer.  Is this true?  What do my symptoms sound like to you?  Also, I'm worried my doctor will dismiss me because I am so young.  Even if its not cancer, I want it treated because it is painful and uncomfortable.  
I just don't know what to say or what to believe or even how concerned I should be.  Please help!  I'm really worried!

[gelhec30]

Oh and thanks to you both for your replies :)

[gelhec30]

Well my appointment with my doctor was today and after an examination, she said it had nothing to indicate it was cancer.  She concluded it was a infected cyst from my symptoms and from the examination.  She put me on antibiotics and is having me do a warm press (basically just a washcloth run under warm to hot water) to my breast 3 times a day for 10-15 minutes to hopefully open up the pathways to the cyst a bit more so the antibiotics can work.  If the warm presses don't work and the antibiotics can't get to it or if the cyst gets bigger, I'll have to have it surgically lanced.  I have to see her again in a week regardless of whether it gets better or worse because she is concerned about how big it is and doesn't want it to get worse.

I guess then I would suggest to you, if your situation is that similar to mine, to try warm presses to your breast and see if it helps the situation until you can see your doctor.  Unfortunately, until then, there's not really a whole lot you can do :(.  Good luck, I'm sure you'll be just fine :).

[K1975]

This sounds very similar to the situation I am in, although I am in my 30s. I am unable to see my doctor for a few weeks, so please keep us updated on your diagnosis. I understand your worry, I am going through the same thing. Between the pain and anxiety, it is keeping me up nights.
Keeping my fingers crossed for us both!

[japdip]

It certainly sounds as though it might be hormone related and I'm glad to hear that you are going to have it ck.d out by your Physician. I don't believe that your Dr. will dismiss you because of your age .... if he/she does then see another Dr.if you are still concerned and the symptoms persist. What you describe about the lump doesn't sound like cancer but you do need to have it investigted and treated.   Regards ....