Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

palpable lump

I found a lump in my breast over two years ago. Had a mammogram and ultrasound, but they were negative. It began bothering me again this year, and growing, so I had another mammo, and an MRI. Again nothing.

The lump is in my right breast, under the arm, actually. It is a couple cm. wide, and maybe 3-4 cm long, and the doctor says it is boomerang-shaped, although I could not detect that. When I first found it, it was because out of the blue, that breast swelled up as though it were engorged (and I haven't nursed a baby for about 5 years). I massaged the swelling down, and was left with the lump. I am feeling like my lymph nodes aren't draining because the area feels hard sometimes more than others. Also, at times, I can massage the lump down. It is worse on days when I haven't had enough water, and I have shooting/pulsing pains sometimes on those days.

I REALLY want to get this checked out by a specialist. Who can I go to that will take the necessary steps to examine this thoroughly? I am in northern Indiana, if that helps.
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
A related discussion, Biopsy was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
I also had the same kind of symptoms and my doctor intially diagnosed it as a Fibroadenma. After I finished a lumpectomy , the patholoical tests of the lump revealed that I have invasive ductal carcinoma. I am just 30 and my doctors never suspected this as a cancerous lump. The lump was constantly growing bigger in size in my case and it had become 4x5 cm  by the time of my first surgery. Due to wrong diagnosis, I had to go through surgery twice.Once for the lump and another for lymphnodes. I am going through radio therapy now after I finished my 6 cycles of chemo therapy.

It might be a minor hormonal imbalance too. I will suggest that get a proper diagnosis for the confirmation.
Helpful - 0
242527 tn?1292449140
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear chevere:  There are many possible explanations for lumpiness in the breast, the most common include fluctuations in hormone levels (during certain times in the menstrual cycle, birth control pills, perimenopause, for example).  In the setting of a negative examination (not suspicious for cancer), negative mammogram, ultrasound and MRI, this lump is unlikely to be cancer.  However, you could consider seeing a medical breast specialist (usually affiliated with large academic medical centers) for evaluation.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I don't think the lump has anything to do with hormones, meaning it doesn't get worse at any specific time of the month.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Breast Cancer Forum

Popular Resources
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
From mammograms to personal hygiene, learn the truth about these deadly breast cancer rumors.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.