Lumps in both breasts

[jane011]

Hi, ever since I can remember I have always had lumps in both my breasts. Its like the lumpps grew with me. I remember when I was little, like five or something, my parents took me to a doctor for lumps in my vaginal area, but it was decided that nothing should be done about them and they went away eventually. But I have kept this secret for so long that I dont even know how to go about telling my family. Im a 21 year old black female. My breasts look very normal from the outside and everytime I went for physical, I would think, this is when my family will find out , but The doctor never felt my breasts or things like that and the rest of the tests like blood tests and stuff came back normal.The lumps feel like they fill out the whole breast and Ive reached the point where I can't get close to boys and I generally put a wall up with my friends and they don't know whats going on with me. I dont know if this is the right place to ask this. Im scared to go to the doctor. Can anyone give me advice.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Thanks so much for getting back to us and letting us know the steps you have taken!

Like zouzi, I am very proud of you.

Best wishes.
bluebutterfly

[zouzi]

Hi again,
I am really so proud of you!
I am very glad that you went for a check up and got a clean bill of health. :)
Don't forget to do your BSE (Breast Self Examinations) every month,one week after you start your menstruation okay?This is a very important practice for all women,young and not so young.
I can see that you are a sensible, well level- headed young woman and I am sure that you will be vigilant and take good care of yourself.
I wish you all the best...

[jane011]

Thank u guys for the advice. Because of you guys I went to my university health center and got it checked and so far it is not a probem. I also got a pap smear so things are much better now. I also spoke to my cousin cause my parents are old and I have a fear they may get a heart attack or something if they even suspect cancer.

[Cheerpul]

I agree with zouzi and bluebutterfly that you should see a doctor and find out what is going on with these lumps and that it is probably not breast cancer.  You have suffered a long time and need to find out what this is, what treatment you can have and put your mind at ease.  Being scared and worrying about what it might be is almost always harder to bear than finding out what it is and treating the problem.

Focus on taking action step by step to resolve this problem.  Make a doctor's appointment and find out what is going on.  Determine a plan of treatment and do it.  You will feel more confident about talking with your family when you know some facts and you may find out that other women in your family have had the same thing.  Remember that the people who love you will want to support you and help you.  You do not have to go through this alone anymore.  I am thinking of you.

[zouzi]

Hi there,
I agree with bluebutterfly2222 that you should be having a clinical breast exam for evaluation.Also I would like to suggest to you, that it's important for young women to be aware of the need for breast self-examination,so that any problems can be detected.
Cysts are the most common reason for breast lumps in young women.Cysts are rarely malignant and may be caused by a blockage of breast glands.Fibroadenomas are solid,smooth, firm, benign lumps that are most commonly found in women in their late teens and early twenties.They are the second most common benign lumps that occur in women of any age and twice as often in African-American women as in other women.  
Lumpiness in the breasts may make actual lumps harder to distinguish.That's why it is important that young women with lumpy breasts perform regular breast self-examinations and have regular physical examinations. Knowing the normal shape and feel of your own breasts is important, especially when performing BSE (Breast Self Examinations) to detect any unusual changes.
Take care...

[bluebutterfly2222]

The good news is that this is very unlikely to be breast cancer, since the lumps have been there as long as you can remember (BC would have reached an obvious and severe level by now) and because they are in both breasts (breast cancer typically occurs in just one breast initially).

Most likely the lumps are related to hormones (do they seem larger and more tender at certain times of the month?) or are another type of benign lump.

But for your peace of mind your should be seen by a doctor for a clinical breast examination.  This could be a primary care doctor, or if you are sexually active (although you may not be, if you don't let boys get close to you!) it might be a good idea to see a GYN, so you could have a full female health exam at the same time as the breast exam. If you are worried about affording a doctor's visit, there are usually places that offer free or lost-cost services , such as local health departments.

At 21 you are now an adult woman, and don't need to tell your family about this if you truly feel unable to do so. But you might consider turning to your mother, an aunt, or an older sister if any of them are available and interested in your wellbeing.

The worst thing you can do is NOTHING, because that is making you isolated, lonely, and afraid.

Please get a checkup, and then come back and tell us how it went, okay?

Best wishes,
bluebutterfly