Lump in breast?

Question

Last week, I found a small pea size lump in my left forearm. Doesn't hurt, move etc... I made an apt to go see my Dr. Then, on Saturday, I found a lump in my right breast.
Yesterday, I went to my apt with my Dr, and he told me that the lump in my arm is most likely a cyst, to keep an eye on it, and if it gets bigger or moves, to go back and see him. He then did a breast exam, and said that the lump in my breast is "sitting at 11 o'clock". He said he think this is a cyst as well. . If the lump is still there next month or gets bigger, he is going to send me for a mammogram. EEIK.

My question is, has anyone gone though this before? Is this something I should be concerned about? Do they go away on their own or do they have to be removed?
I am starting to freak out a little bit. My husband says not to worry, but it isn't his breast!
Any advice or suggestion would be great!
Thanks

Also some more info: I am only 26, and do not have regular menstral cycles. I only menstrate every 3-4 months tops. They don't seem concerned about that either.

One more thing ( yes, I should have really thought about this before I posted )
I had two people in my family ( my grandmother on my mom's side and aunt on my dad's side ) pass away from breast cancer. Also, lost several other family members from cancer ( lung cancer, brain tumors, etc... ) My father also lost his eye when he was 2 from retinoblastoma- something I (and my daughter )am still checked for.

Answer 1

It could be something that happens at menstruation. this is what happened to me and it is quite scary and we imagine the worst. Go back to your doctor and tell him you are scared and want a mammogram now just for your own peace of mind.Try and stay cool and good luck.
Don't take any notice of laura b a real doctor would never diagnose you on yahoo answers.

Answer 2

Definitely do your breast self-exam next month and check to see if it has moved, changed shape or size or has disappeared completely.

MANY lumps in the breast tissue and surrounding areas are simply swollen lymph glands, cysts, or benign lumps that come and go with our hormone cycles.

I had a lump found in my right breast 2 years ago. The process of getting it mammogrammed, sonogrammed and the waiting for a diagnosis were the most nerve-wracking days I'd had to endure in a very long time. Thankfully it was nothing, but it does drive home the fact that lumps CAN be something sometimes.

Good for you for being brave and seeing your doctor RIGHT away...and for being competent enough with your self-exams to find a lump on your own.

Answer 3

A second opinion would be a great idea. It probably is nothing of concern, but without a biopsy, or further testing, no one knows. Many of us have a cellular tendency passed on in our genes, making us more likely to form harmless, very common cysts. If that is the case, it will all be fine. If you have a history of breast cancer in any of your close relatives, then further testing would be a smart move.

Let me warn you that even harmless, common breast cysts show up often as abnormal on mammograms, so don't panic if that happens to you. In studies, 30% of normal, healthy women have cysts in their breasts. Women with cysts are not at any higher risk of breast cancer. An ultrasound would be a good diagnostic way to find out what it is without a biopsy. Cysts can be small or as big as a pingpong ball. Usually they are movable. Even a tumor would more often be benign than not, so again, don't panic. I would follow up with testing if the cysts persist, even if just to alleviate your worry. It is worth it. Best of luck to you. If you research the net, you will agree that it is more likely than not that you are safe and sound. Good luck and good health to you!

Answer 4

I went through it a few months ago. My doctor sent me for a sonogram of my breast or whatever you call it and a mammogram. Most likely it is nothing to worry about however, why is your doctor not sending you for the mammogram now.

For mine, they did have to biopsy it, but it all depends on what type of cyst it is which the mammogram will be able to tell.

In my opinion, I would not wait, I would go to another doctor and get the tests, even if it does not change that does not mean it is just nothing, I would go get a mammogram.

I do not mean to scare you I have had many friends go through this but all of us went for a mammogram and followed the steps just to get that peace of mind.
And if it is anything, early detection is the best answer.

Lots of doctors try to push this stuff off but you know your body. Get the mammogram.

Answer 5

Will this be your first mammogram? Do not panic they are not really that bad. Sometimes it is a bit uncomfortable. But they are over in a few minutes.

Yes I have cysts and fibroid tumors in my breast. Mine are considered fibrous breasts, they get thick and heavy and solid feeling at times. Cysts usually are filled with fluid or non malignant tissue. Try not to stress, you will probably have more throughout your life. Most come and go on their own.

Got to Breastcancer.org. They can answer most of your questions.

These are the joys of being a woman. Take one day at a time and have a Doctor that you absolutely trust. That is about all you can do.

Answer 6

Approximately eighty percent of lumps are benign or non-cancerous. Common traits of benign lumps are they tend to have smooth edges and, when palpated with the fingertips, they will move slightly when pushed against.

Throughout a woman’s life, the breast tissue continually undergoes changes. Many of these changes are brought on by hormone levels, such as the progesterone and estrogen fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. The benign breast lump can be contributed to several causes such as normal changes in tissue, injury, infection and certain medications, smoking or lack of vitamin E.

Most benign lumps go away on their own, but you can help your body by taking vitamin E dialy. Keep an eye on it and don't worry unless it grows or turns red and warm.

Answer 7

ok im not trying to worry you but im just letting you know what happened to me within the past week. I had the same problem mine was about four inches big and it turned out to be a clogged milk duct. I ended up having to get it fully taken out last monday ( they called it a biopsy) they sedated me, removed the mass and sent it off to make sure it wasn't anything too bad. Try to put a warm rag on it and massage it with your hand to try and loosen it up. OR it could be a mastitis. if it is red swollen feels hot. best thing to do go to the doctor and have it looked at. Good luck I know what your going through I'm sure everything will be fine! EDIT: If I were you I would just go to your regular family doctor. They can give you a prescription for some antibiotics to try and help it go away.

Answer 8

this has never happend to me but u have a family history of breast cancer i would go get a second opinion or at least get a mammogram breast cancer is a serious issue its not to be taken lightely i suggest u act on this right away u never know how much it can spread within a month i wish u luck

Answer 9

I have the same thing and it never got any bigger so I opted to not have it removed. Don't worry this is fairly common but if you do notice an increase in the size of it then don't wait and call your doctor. Make sure that you go and have yearly mammograms if you decide not to have them removed!

Answer 10

I wouldn't worry unless it grows. This is such a serious thing nowadays that if it were serious the doctor would check it further. If it is a small cyst they won't remove it. If it grows they might biopsy it to make sure it isn't cancer. My mom had this done & it was no big deal. Relax & take it easy for a few days & do something nice for yourself to feel better.

Good luck & God bless!!