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!