Painful or Painless

[queenbee]

About 4 weeks ago I suddenly noticed a lump about the size of a quarter and elongated. Since I exercise daily I thought it to be a knotted tendon or fluid pocket from stressing the muscles under the breast. It did not go away and in fact has gotten more painful; like a knot in my neck only now the "aching" is spreading.  I made an appointment with my doctor who in turn set me up an appointment for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound.  The radiologist told me I have very thick breast tissue in spite of have very little fat but that the mass is quite worrisome to her.  I am now going to be scheduled for an MRI and biopsy.  She did say the lymph node under my arm looks good; I was grasping for straws of any type of good news.  Does the sudden onset and "aching" sound odd or could this indeed be a fast growing tumor?

[japdip]

With the exception of IBC, pain isn't associated with breast cnacer where lumps are involved. There are mammary lymph nodes and lymph nodes do become enlarged and tender/painful as do cysts in the breasts. The MRI will most likely confirm the nature of this lump.   Regards ....  

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear queenbee:  Most breast cancer is not painful, however, any new lump should generally be investigated.  It is not unusual in young women for the breast tissue to be dense.  This simply makes mammograms more difficult to interpret.  MRI is a more sensitive test but it can result in false positive results.  The biopsy will clear up the situation for you since there is no way we can speculate on this without evaluation.

[katarina777]

I also think it's a good sign that you are having pain, and what you are pointing out does not sound the least like IBC. In that case, your whole breast would be swollen and sort of reddish, and your nipple inverted and perhaps the breast also showing dimples, with or without a lump that grows visibly larger by the day.

I know it's scary, and the week of waiting will be too for the biopsy results. i think the MRI takes less time depending on how fast they will look at it.

Best wishes,

KAT

[paula914]

My doctor has told me when you have less fatty breast they will be dense .I am a very small person and have no fatty tissue in my breast which makes them very dense. i also have lumps that hurt or ache which are fluid filled cysts.Your lump could be that but I am not a doctor .My doctor does tell me that it is usually a good sign if your lump hurts.cyst could be there without you noticing them untill they get full of fluid and then begin to hurt.I`m sure your doctor will find the answer. Goog luck

[queenbee]

Just an update, I've been diagnosed with IDC. Once diagnosed, is it still okay to keep a daily routine? I normally work out everyday from 4am to 630am (eliptic, treadmill, weights) and though I am not usually bothered by this I do not want to aggrevate the issue. I will be leaving to visit my Son for Christmas and the nurse in my doctors' office said to enjoy my holiday with him as if there is no impending urgency to get the surgery scheduled.  Is this normal?

[queenbee]

Yes, much anxiety and my family as well. However, you have been extremely helpful, along with the others and the hours will be much more tolerable until the results. Thank you taking the time for me and responding so quickly. Have a beautiful day!!

[queenbee]

Thank you for your response as well. I thought it would be days before anyone acutally took the time.  I am unfamilar with the "IBC" but the information about the pain not being associated with cancer is reassuring.  Again, thank you and Have a beautiful day!!

[queenbee]

Thank you for responding so quickly.  It does ease my mind a bit but there is still the anxiety as I'm sure you're familar with.  I'm not exactly looking forward to the biopsy but if they can do something with the pain, I would be greatful.  Again, thank you for your response and assuring words.  Have a beautiful day!!