Is it a cyst, a lump or what

Polyana

Hi. How frequently should we do self examination for breast and axillary lymph nodes. Daily, weekly or monthly. I feel my breast and lymph every day, and I have this feeling that I might find something. 3 years ago at my diagnosis they said my left breast has a complicated cyst which was biopsied and was benign. I recall one of the physical examinations I had my doctor said I have a cyst in my left breast which they were not concerned about. I have never touched or felt my breast after what I have been through, I suddenly even lost the sensation how should a breast feel like. Today I felt my breast, I went all over in and out, and I think there is a small round soft thing!!! I freaked out, I shake as if sentenced to death. What I have been through was tough and painful I do not want to get into this again...

Moderators

Hi Polyana, 

We're so sorry you're managing such fear! For sure, you should just talk to your doctor about what you're feeling in your breast, and see what he/she says.

Just so you know, there's some information on the main Breastcancer.org site on how to perform a Breast Self-Exam (BSE) and the Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam to help you know how and when to perform a self-exam and what to look for. As we mentioned, any thing you feel that you are concerned about, definitely talk to your doctor about.

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

Karen3

Hi Polyana,

Try not to panic yet! I know exactly how you feel though- get your new lump checked out by the doctor and follow the advice given above. I detected a second BC super early - it was DCIS 4cm but invisible to mammo and ultrasound. I found it through regular breast examination and getting to 'know' and become familiar with my breasts through regular examination. A good technique which worked for me was to do my breast examination over a 'smooth' silky material. I did my breast examination over my silk PJ's or nightie. My hand glided over my breasts and this helped me to easily detect any 'lumps' or bumps earlier than I would have done otherwise. This technique certainly worked for me - I found a raised area which I knew was not there before. It was difficult to detect it with the hand alone and even my breast surgeon / oncologist could find nothing using their hands only. But I was able to guide them to the changes I felt and following a biopsy (even though all scans were negative) they found extensive grade 3 DCIS. Don't be afraid and don't panic - keep vigilant. Thankfully, early detection meant that I did not have to go though chemo again the second time around. I have now had a bilateral and am doing fine. All the best to you!