Worried about lump at 19 - need advice

Hey!

Cysts and fibroadenomas are very common at your age. The chance of having breast cancer at 19 would almost be non-existent. However, please ask for a referral from your GP to a breast center so you can get an ultrasound. You should definitely get one as lump should always be checked out. Good luck!

Your risk of breast cancer at age 19 is virtually zero. ZERO. I'm not sure what literature you're reading but I am 100% sure it's not referencing breast cancer in a 19 yr old. There are several BENIGN conditions of the breast that are common to young women. Since this is a new lump, you should get it checked, NOT because you have cancer, but because you need to be in the habit of taking care of your body.

As far as the back and shoulder pain, it sounds like you have some pre-existing conditions that would cause all those symptoms. I don't think they are connected to the lump at all.

I am sure it is scary being away from home during a medical issue.Try to do something that will ease your stress.. maybe some exercising, cleaning, walking, or spending time with friends. Please stay away from Googling symptoms. I have gotten extreme anxiety from diagnosing myself over Google. Very bad for anxiety! Definitely get an ultrasound for the lump... I'm sure your GP will have some recommendations on other tests they can do for your other symptoms. However, I strongly believe that the ache symptoms aren't related to the lump. Please focus on anything that will relax and distract you.. waiting is extremely hard and stressful. Don't jump to worst case scenarios.. you can do this

hettie - big stress can cause big body pain. My mom just went through a huge upheaval in her life and ended up on muscle relaxants because she can barely lift her head or arms...all due to stress. Hang in there, get your ultrasound. It’s always smart to check out changes in your body. Dollars to donuts you’re just fine as the others have said. At your age breasts tend to be lumpy and bumpy. Breathe easy and only google good things...fun things. Let us know how things go for you please

You would need an exam by the GP before you could get the ultrasound. The GP would need to refer you to the breast center. The GP may be reluctant to do it or blow you off simply because of your age. However, I would politely insist on a referral to the breast center for the ultrasound. You are concerned about the lump and want it scanned... you may have to be a bit pushy. I feel like it is important for you to find out what it is and have some closure. Again, extremely likely it's a benign condition.

Hettie19

Discuss all of this with your parents and your doctor. Stop Googling. Consider seeking counseling for your anxiety.

The chance of breast cancer at your age is vanishingly small and metastatic breast cancer at your age would be reportable. Being a dancer is reason enough for many of your somatic symptoms and anxiety can intensify them.

After you have the appropriate clinical and imaging evaluation of your breasts, it would be wise to have your other aches and pains evaluated as well.

Keep us in the loop.

Sophiamara, before you go stoking the fires of this young lady's anxiety, please show us 100 legitimately researched cases of breast cancer in women under 20. At least 10. Please. Even at age 34 breast cancer is pretty uncommon. It is unreasonable to even suggest that breast cancer could be the cause of this young lady's symptoms at age 19. I would lay my entire investment portfolio on the prediction that this girl DOES NOT have cancer.

Now, that said, I think new lumps and bumps and pains should be evaluated. That's part of learning to take care of our bodies. Something is going on, and even though it is extremely unlikely to be cancer, there are myriad other conditions that could be at work.

Mustlovepoodles, I never said this young girl had cancer, I said it's good to be vigilant even at a young age and ANY lump should get checked out by a doctor with the appropriate method of testing to determine what it is for peace of mind.

While it is considered rare, young age should not be dismissed, because the reality is bc can and does happen at a young age and yes there are girls out there who are part of that unfortunate percentage (in their 20s and 30s). In the UK last year 5000 young girls were dx that's 13 girls a day and that's just there...This is not to mention if you are dx young and have the BRCA gene and then have a child..bc can present 10 years younger in that child...I think It's enormously disrespectful of you to dismiss that and them.

There is a reason young bc tends to get diagnosed at a later stage...and I can guarantee it's because people or physicians haven't taken it seriously, because of course it's unlikely or rare.

So whilst for the most part it is rare (thankfully it is) and in most cases it is benign, there is absolutely nothing wrong with acting on instinct and getting checked out to reduce any anxiety, even at 19.

Hettie, I think you should contact a mental health counselor to help you get through the days until your appointment. It is sad that kids at your age have these worries, because they are not justified. Your mind should not go directly to breast cancer at 19, 20, etc. Seven years ago, at 12 years old, your body developed breast buds pre-puberty. Your body will continue to go through changes for several years to come, then it will be somewhat stable, in mid life you get hit again with your body doing funky things. Make sure to get plenty of rest, drink water, get exercise, no alcohol (it does increase the risk for breast cancer), sit down with a registered dietitian and get a good meal plan going.

I am glad that you got a second opinion. It seems like she thought it was normal tissue and not a lump (if I am understanding this correctly). You have definitely done everything you can do and both doctors seem to agree.. keep an eye on it and report any changes. I'm sorry you have had such a stressful time with this. Please keep us updated.

Sent you a pm