Weird lump in breast, nothing to worry about?

emma2011

Hello!

I'm 20 years old, and I know that the odds of breast cancer at my age are very slim, but the worry is still there. I just started my period yesterday, but a few days prior to that I discovered a rather large lump in my one breast that appeared almost overnight. I mentioned my period because I read online that these kind of lumps can be absolutely normal for women of my age during a menstrual cycle. I decided for myself to wait until my cycle is complete before I call a doctor. I'm also aware that this lump can be something called Fibroadenomas? 

Well anyway, I was just wondering if I should worry about this lump in general. It's quite large, not distinct in shape. It feels like the size of a walnut and definitely increased in size in the past 2 days. It's near the surface and can be felt almost immediately with the slightest touch to the breast. It's also 100% painless, but fibroadenomas are painless, from what I've read. 

I have no history of breast cancer or cancer in general in my family. But naturally I still worry a bit! I'm convinced it's really nothing, but I was just curious if this lump seemed normal to anyone? Just trying to get some sleep at night before my period is over.

Oh, and one more, irresponsible problem. I actually have not been to a doctor since I was 18, during my senior year of high school. I actually don't even have a doctor at the moment (really dumb of me), so I haven't had any check ups or anything lately. 

Thanks in advanced to anyone who answers! I greatly appreciate it!

MelissaDallas

Emma, you are probably right, but you should still go get it checked. As you said, it is time you found a doctor anyway.

MusicLover

I have a daughter your age who has fibroadenomas and I had them when I was your age also. Don't loose any sleep over this but definitely get it checked out.  Please don't call your self dumb either, we all expect ourselves to be healthy especially at your age but this is a perfect reason to select a gyn. Ask one of your girlfriends for a reference or look one up through your insurance decide if you are comfortable with a man or a woman gyn.  Best wishes and no worries but definitely make an appt.  Post back and let us know how it worked out for you, ok?

Moderators

Welcome to the BCO Forum.

Yes, it is most likely associated with your hormone fluctuations but any change in the breast is best to be checked by a doctor.

Hope you find an excellent doctor and get a general checxk over while you are there. Helps with peace of mind. Write down list of any issues or syptoms you have as that way you don't forget while in the doctors, as very easy to do and kick yourself later for forgetting to ask about 'xyz'!

All the best and let us know how you go.

The Mods

Lionesse2

Hello,

I'm going through the exact same thing.  I'm so glad I have a sister to share the experience.  Always remember: EVERY LUMP NEEDS TO BE CHECKED TO YOUR SATISFACTION!

I'm 41. I had my first mammo in April. I had to have a biopsy to confirm a fibroadenoma on the left.  I had an ultrasound guided biopsy.  Luckily, I knew the reputation of the radiologist who does them at that radiology center.  He more than exceeded his reputation.  The procedure and recovery were peaceful.  I was so happy that in this hurried world that I had a physician extend himself as a friend.

He inspired to keep on top of things and always pursue concerns. He also inspired me to start self exams.  I did one and boom! I found a lump on the right on July 22 (mammo read negative for the right).  It felt like a piece of clay-not something that should be in a soft breast.  It was the 2nd day of my period. Luckily, I had an appt with a new internist the next day.  I decided to do some due diligence and find a great internist since I went through a biopsy and wanted a doctor who was going to be by my side during rough times.

I brought all my radiology reports. I made sure I could locate the lump easily before my appt so I wouldn't waste time trying to find it.  He felt it and agreed it was a lump.  He was right on top of everything and easily agreed to send me for an ultrasound and we discussed seeing a local general surgeon. Luckily I know of the best in town.   But I can't get in until the end of September.  He's a super nice surgeon who would give patients the shirt off his back but I don't want to take advantage of his niceness and push my way in especially since the report wasn't marked as urgent. The next week the ultrasound showed just increased tissue density-basically cyclical engorged normal tissue.  I guess it made sense since I found it during my period.  I keep feeling it and does appear less firm but it's still there.  The US wasn't read by my friend but all the doctors at that site are excellent so I respect his opinion. I'm just not satisfied.

So today, I made an appt with a breast surgical oncologist at a major city hospital breast care center.  No application, I just made the appt and I'm bringing in my paperwork on the 14th. I'm keeping my appt with my local surgeon. Tomorrow, I'm calling my internist and asking for an MRI since I've read on these boards that women found masses with MRIs even though the mammo and US were clear.

I've kept my Gyn out of it since he appears to only want to pursue this to his satisfaction and not mine.  I know he won't support my decision to get an MRI so I'm not going to ask him.

Good luck on your journey and keep us posted!

MelissaDallas

She's twenty, so her situation is considerably different. The odds are astronomical that a twenty year old would have anything besides a benign condition.

springmac

I would get it checked out, just for peace of mind. Had the same thing happen to me recently. Lump appeared from nowhere, very large & seemed to grow. Turned out to be a cyst. Since mine hurt, I had a surgeon drain it.

realm12

Hi! Check to see if the lump is still there after your period! Good luck and God Bless!!