Lump in My Breast...

If you are an RN then you already know that any lump should be looked at, but please relax. Most lumps that are or become a problem do not start off 'large'. What you probably have is fibrocystic breasts. This can be determined very quickly and easily. One way to help this situation is to get off caffine. I have had fibrocystic breasts all my life and while it can become uncomfortable at times, they are usually benign. Hope that helps.

S.,

You should definitely get this checked out. I woke up one morning this past July with my breast inflammed, painful and about twice the size that it should be. I had a cyst and an infection. They treated the infection first with mega doses of antibiotics, then was sent for a mammogram & ultra sound. The technicians thought there were 2 fluid filled cysts side by side. I went back to my doctor who then tried to aspirate them and learned that they were NOT fluid filled. He referred me to a general surgeon. After 2 surgeries, many ultrasounds and many biopsies, I was fortunate enough to have everything come back as benign. When I first went to the surgeon she told me that on the first visit she was 95% sure that I had breast cancer. Even though yours is probably a fluid filled cyst you need to have it checked. Many women believe that mammograms detect all types of breast cancers, but 10-15% are not evident on a mammogram. Good Luck!!!!!!!!

Please, yes, get checked! For your own peace of mind, and also for your health and well-being.

Absolutely. Early detection would be key and if it's just another cyst that can be felt on self-examine, you might want to have it drained.

Best wishes for a great outcome.
Take care,
D.

By all means get it checked. It may be a cyst again and since you've already had one in the area it has calcified. But don't let that stop you from getting it checked soon.

I have had three in alternating sides that turned out to be cysts. They corrolate w/my cycle and can be very scarey. They were all similar: tender, red, and gradually got worse then better. I have seen my Internist all times and it was helpful to have a consistent assessment to reassure when I was frightened. I am a nurse, and rationally knew what they should be, but you still freak out a little when you have children depending on you.....
Good luck,
Julie

I have had fibrocystic breasts since I was 19. The cysts become very painful and enlarged before and during my period, and also if I consumed too much salt, caffeine, or drank alcohol. When I eliminated/cut back on these things the swelling and pain decreased dramatically but I was still experiencing discomfort around my menstrual cycle. My ob/gyn told me to take vitamin E (400iu 1x/day) and vitamin B6 (50mg 2x/day) and this also helped considerably. She also told me that fibrous lumps i.e. malignant or benign tumors are generally not painful. If your lump is painful it is probably a cyst or just sensitive breast tissue (which I also have), in which both cases I would recommend a diet change and the added vitamins. Good luck!

I had a lump in my breast which wasw a cyst years ago when I was a teenager, later I had one at the top of my leg. I had them both removed. Call your doctor and get tit removed. It's just something that happens.S.

Absolutely have it looked at. Any suspicious lump...anywhere. You are now a mom and your life is no longer your own..it is shared by your child. Hopefully the lump will be the same as the other. Best of luck. Keep us posted.

S.,

Being an RN I think you already know the answer to your question. What would you tell you patients? I'm 47 also an RN and a mother of two little girls ages 8 and 6. I have had ongoing issues with my mammograms secondary to "lumpy breasts", frequent cysts which have required followups with ultrasound etc. Obviously my age puts me in a higher risk group than you (though I don't know your family history). Either way, any and all lumps should be followed up and quickly. Even if it is a hassle!

Honey, any time you find something irregular in your breasts you should have it looked at as soon as possible. If it is something, the sooner the better. I had a lump in my throat and under my collar bone big enough to bruise my voice cords and if I had let it go it could easily have become cancerous, so please have it looked at, and if you need someone to talk to you can always message me.
K.

Have it checked. It is probably nothing. I've had cystic brest issues as well, but when something changes it is always best to have it checked. Deb

I'm a nurse too. What about getting a digital mammogram first just to check it out? Good luck. -N.

Any lump should be looked at. Don't wait, do it today!

GO GET IT CHECKED!!!! Better safe then sorry.

Hi S.:
Did they give you a little more information than 'because of the hormone of being pregnant?' Sometimes there is information on the pathology report (which you would have to get a copy of and read through and have someone interpret for you.)

Did you or are you still breastfeeding? There are foods that you can avoid and foods that you can eat that will help your body rid itself of the hormone build up that happens in the breast tissue (very important for long term health.)

S.,
I am a Mom, nurse and a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. My specialty is breast health. I would advise you to get it looked at just to put your mind to rest if for no other reason. If they tell you it is nothing to be concerned with-- that is great! And if that is the case, but you have pain or want to learn how to do a simple massage to clear it up feel free to e-mail me and I would be happy to tell you what I know about breast health.
P.