breasts

[paix.livejournal.com]

What to normal breast lumps (ie: milk ducts, non-cancerous cysts) feel like versus cancerous breast lumps? I'm 19 and I despise doing monthly breast exams because I ALWAYS find lumps that worry me. Thanks for your comments!

Comments

[feckalyn.livejournal.com]

Could be this?
http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/general_health/wh_fbc.htm

I remember one of my first gyn visits and this (jerk) doctor saying while examining my breasts, "Oh yeah, there's lotsa lumps in there" and then not going on to explain any reason why. I'm freakin' 15 and wondering if I've got breast cancer.
The happy ending to that story was I actually ended up running into that doctor again in my professional career and I reported him for the whole thing.

[paix.livejournal.com]

geez, what a buffoon! that's no way to talk to a patient.

[feckalyn.livejournal.com]

That wasn't even the worst thing he said/did.

[ladytalon.livejournal.com]

Basically, if the lumps are smooth, no worries. If they're jagged (my gyn described it to me like coral stuck under your skin), then worry.

Another easy way to feel good about it is to check and see if that lump appears mirrored on your other breast--they're not perfectly symmetrical, but they have similarities.

[deflower-me.livejournal.com]

the coral comparison was helpful! thanks. i always check both breasts for mirrored lumps (haha), and while this usually reassures me, my left breast is a bit lumpier than my right.

[paix.livejournal.com]

all of my lumps are semi-soft and round. i guess this means that i'm alright. thanks!

[ilikemytie.livejournal.com]

oh yeah - those are all ducts and such. . .

[mandapants74.livejournal.com]

I have pretty fibrous breasts so they feel like little knotty bumps but my dr. told me anytime you feel a lump to press it with your thumb...if it fades, then don't worry. If it's still there and not flattening out, see a dr. to ease your worries. I always have bumps and suck at giving myself exams, too. I want that little assistor you use in the shower...I forget what it's called.