Hi Feisty,
I'm a 30 year old female who was just diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2008. I know the previous post DOES have correct information; however, my thoughts have changed based on my own experience. I had a routine physical exam in September 2007 and during the breast exam, my MD stated "Ooh, nice breast cyst you have there" and pointed it out to me. I'd never noticed it before. Since she was so cavalier and non-chalant about it I figured, it's obviously a cyst! After that, I noticed it started hurting during my cycles (they always say pain means no cancer) so I figured, definitely a cyst. Especially considering my age, the frequency of cystic breasts in women, and the fact that I had NO family history. Then in May 2008 I realized it had grown and was now making the skin on my breast dimple. Well, I called the original doctor who noticed it an she ordered a mammogram and ultrasound STAT! That was Tuesday, by Thursday I was a cancer patient.
Now, the shoulda, woulda, coulda's of my story are numerous! Basically what I've learned is that peace of mind is priceless and NEVER assume anything about your own body. It's no skin off their teeth to order an ultrasound or biopsy and it'll probably ultimately save time because it seems like they're consistently watching it. I would ask if it would be possible to just have a fine needle aspiration or an ultrasound because this is freaking you out!!! All the doctor has to do is write the order!
P.S. I COMPLETELY AGREE THAT MAMMO'S BEFORE AGE 40 BE MANDATORY!!!
Dear fiesty2008, Breast pain is a common breast symptom. The reason for breast pain is not clearly understood, and is not usually associated with breast cancer. Breast pain is sometimes associated with hormonal variations and is then called cyclical breast pain. Noncyclical breast pain does not seem to be linked to hormonal variations and is often localized to one area of the breast tissue. Noncyclical breast pain may or may not be the result of an injury to the breast.
Mammography is just PART of breast cancer screening. One reason for waiting to do a mammogram for routine screening till after 40 is that the breast tissue in younger women is more dense (less fatty) which often makes interpreting results difficult. This doesn’t mean that in certain situations a mammogram might be appropriate and helpful in a younger person, but that is something that would be determined on an individual basis. You should discuss your pathology findings from the original biopsy at age 16 with your surgeon and primary doctor to see if they would change your recommendations for breast cancer screening in general.