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
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!
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Q: A question about my breast lump? Please help!
Hi - Truthfully, this set of symptoms, the order they happened and where you are now, doesn't sound like breast cancer; it sounds like an infection. At your age, your chance of breast cancer is literally about 1 in 1 million; so it would be VERY unusual for you to have it, to say the least. And, as I said, these don't sound like breast cancer symptoms. But I'm with julybird; don't let your doctor brush you off. Much more likely you're experiencing a hormonal issue, or an infection, but whatever it is, get to the bottom of it, and have it treated. Antibiotics, an MRI, whatever it takes – it's obviously painful, came on fast, and needs treatment, so don't leave the doctor's office with a pat on the head and a "There, there, it'll go away soon." I now realize you've probably already seen the doctor, so this is hindsight. So I hope you're on the road to recovery. Let us know, OK? Good luck - PJH
I can't comment on what it is, but I started having biopsies and mommagrams at 15 or 16. You are NEVER to young to have cancer, and don't ever let a doctor tell you that you are! If they do then see a different doctor, and you absoloutley have to take your health into your own hands and push for the testing you need and want. Don't take no for an anwser, it's your life not theirs you have to fight for yourself. I come from a very long line of all types of cancer and lost my mom to it this year, so I am VERY cautious about my body and have made my doctor understand my concerns and she really helps me and provides all the necessary testing just as a prevenitive measure, or in heaven forbids I do get it I can catch it early. Good luck, and please let us know how it turns out.
I'm so glad you posted and updated us! I've been checking back in and wondering how you were doing. I wish you all the best and hope you feel better soon! hugs, julybird
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Hi all :). Thanks for the answers! I did end up going to my doctor and she figured it was probably an infected cyst. After a few days of antibotics and warm presses to my breast, the irritation just continued to get worse. Yesterday I went back and was sent to a surgeon, who cut open the lump and drained the pus and blood from it. Apparently, it was just seriously infected and had turned into an abcess. Even though I'm still in pain, it feels A LOT better now that its gone and I'm well on the road to recovery.
Thanks :)