Swollen lump?

Question

I have a swollen mildly painful lump on the right side of my chest just under my breast. It gets a little extra uncomfortable when I have my period. I've actually had it for 2 years. I know it sounds crazy to let something like that go unattended but I don't have a job or medical insurance. I paid to go to a doctor once who said that there was a very very low slight chance it was cancerous but I should get a mammogram for my own peace of mind. Here I am 2 years later without that peace of mind still. The lump has remained exactly the same for 2 years which makes me think it's not something serious but I still don't know and would like to but don't know what to do or how to pay.:(
Can anyone ease my fears of what it might be and suggest the best thing to do in my situation?? Thanks so much.

Answer 1

I have one in my breast, I have one even in my groin area (both sides) but the left flares up near every period, sometimes it is just there, and other time it really hurts.
If the lumps stay the same, same shape, and size, they say they are non cancerous, they are in fact hormonal. My doc stated they could drain mine and run tests but didn't feel it was necessary. Never had them done. I should get a mammogram and will one of these days, but as long as no new lumps or changes take place, I don't feel it is that much of a concern.

Answer 2

The best thing to do in your situation is to get "in-case Sh*t Happens" Insurance like I have. It's $50 a month. You have a deductible of $2,500 or $1,500 or whatever. The kind I have won't pay for any of my doctors visits unless I go over my deductible for the year, then I pay a co-pay. Unless I get pregnant. They waive the deductible for pregnancy. My deductible is $20. Oh, and they waive the deductible for prescriptions, too, so I pay $10 for those.

My point is this. I am a really healthy person and only need to go to the doctor once a year for my annual check ups. Well, I have a thyroid condition and go to a specialist, but that is a whole separate thing since my doc doesn't accept insurance. Anyway, it gives me peace of mind to know that I am saving money on not paying $300 a month on health insurance. I also know that if I got cancer or had a really bad accident or something, I would only have to come up with a couple thousand dollars rather than shoulder the entire cost which could easily bankrupt me.

So, get some "In-Case-Sh*t-Happens" insurance, then go pay to have it checked out. Not going and getting it checked is irresponsible. What is money? Is it worth your life? Nah. Better to catch these things early, you know. Also, $50 bucks a month is WAY cheaper than having full health insurance and it protects your hiney in the off chance that you have cancer!!! Oh, mine is with Blue Cross.

Answer 3

You need to see a doctor. I agree that the length of time lets me think it is nothing, however, A mammogram would be helpful. Hospitals make payment arrangements. Find the local Free Clinic. Hospitals also have a program to help you pay depending on what you make, etc... Do not ignore it any longer...for your own peace of mind. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

Usually these lumps are not cancerous, but what if it is? Do you really want to risk it getting so bad that it cannot be cured?
I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 32 - I too had a lump that I thought was nothing.

Please find a way to get it looked at - are there social services available? A free clinic, anything? Seriously pursue getting it looked at, removed, and biopsied.

Answer 5

Better have it checked out, by a doctor. If all else fails, do like a friend suggested to a patient. Go to the hospital, tell them you are from another country, do not have a SS card yet, and get free treatment, like they do. Isn't it a shame that we can't treat our own people.

Answer 6

like a doctor is going to happen to answer this question.