I am a teenager. In the earlier teenage years. I don't quite know how to do a self exam but when I felt my breast for any bumps I do have a small one. I don't know if I should worry. It is very tender in this area and it is only in one breast. I am on birth control and one of the serious side effects is breast cancer. Please give me some advice or other signs that I should look for to know if I should really go to the doctor. Maybe if you could even tell me exactly how to do a self examination a little better. I do not want to get my parents all worked up over this right now. Thank you in advance.
2007-02-19 11:52:28 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Eight out of 10 lumps that women may feel in their breasts are benign (not cancerous). A benign lump can be a collection of normal or hyperactive breast gland cells, or it may be a water-filled sac (cyst).
In any event, if you feel a lump and you're worried about it, DON'T HESITATE TO SEE A DOCTOR. By getting a doctor to check the lump you'll ease your fears. And if it's something serious, you can start getting treatment right away.
One way to make lumps less frightening is to get to know what your breasts normally feel like. There's no better way to find out than by doing your monthly breast self-exam. The upper, outer area—near your armpit—tends to have the most prominent lumps and bumps. The lower half of your breast can feel like a sandy or pebbly beach. The area under the nipple can feel like a collection of large grains. Another part might feel like a lumpy bowl of oatmeal.
If you notice any changes in your breasts that last over a full month's cycle or that seem to get worse or more obvious over time, tell your doctor. Knowing how your breasts usually look and feel may also help you avoid needless biopsies.
If you're worried about getting breast cancer, read about breast cancer risk factors to find out what your risk is.
to reduce the risk of breast cancer:
Try to get in the habit of doing a breast self-examination once a month to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel. Examine yourself several days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen and tender. If you are no longer having periods, choose a day that's easy to remember, such as the first or last day of the month.
Studies show that regular breast self-exams, combined with an annual exam by a doctor, improves the chances of detecting cancer early.
2007-02-21 02:09:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lay flat onyour bed lift one arm over your head woth your two for fingers take and move in a circular motion around from the outside around and around till you reach the nipple if the not is round hard and tender it may be hard or red. If its been there for more than a week I would seeing your doctor would be best Ive seen 16 year olds with breast cancer the longer you wait .the worse it gets. My mom had breast cancer 15 years ago and has been cancer free because she felt a knot and she went straight to the dr. and she only had to have radiation. So be sure and get this took care of right away.
2007-02-19 12:00:15 · answer #2 · answered by deogee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The discovery of a breast lump—whether by chance, during a routine breast self-exam, or during a clinical breast exam—can be stressful for a woman. Because a lump can be a symptom of breast cancer, all persistent breast lumps should be evaluated by a physician. However, the majority of breast lumps (approximately 80%) are due to non-cancerous causes.
The web address below has full charts and explanations for breast examination
2007-02-19 11:58:05 · answer #3 · answered by paramedicguy_au 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Breast Cancer dosent cause tenderness, but rather a dimpling of the skin, or a (orange peel) look to the breast. You should do your exams between periods. That makes a difference.
2007-02-19 11:59:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was 18 I had a small tender lump and got it checked out. It turned out that I was drinking wayyyy too much tea and coffee and that had caused the lump and tenderness. So don't panic, but do go to a doctor! You might be relieved with the diagnosis.
2007-02-19 11:56:19 · answer #5 · answered by the beet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you raise you arm and using two fingers from your other hand make small circles looking for a HARD lump. working around your breast. like a rock feeling. if may or may not feel sore. if it doesnt go away in a week or it gets bigger, go in and ask your doctor for a breast exam. its fast and easy for them to do. my aunts have had it and are having the time of their lives now. so its not something to worry about like it was fifty years ago.
2007-02-19 11:58:37 · answer #6 · answered by R. M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be reassured that breast cancer in teenagers is VERY rare and unlikely to be what you have. I hope you get some good answers here that will help you.
2007-02-19 11:56:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had breast cancel 17 years ago, my first sign was dempling
under my nipple.earlier you find any thing the better,see your
doctor if you have any question!
2007-02-19 12:44:57 · answer #8 · answered by girljo+ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you touch your breast and you feel a bump, my advice to you is to rush to the doctor. dont delay it, just go and get it checked. its better to rush and find out that its nothing than to wait and find out that its to late.
2007-02-19 11:57:26 · answer #9 · answered by laural8477 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well some signs of breast cancer is someone sqeezing your chest or grabing your cheast
2007-02-19 11:57:45 · answer #10 · answered by Daja w 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋