Found Lump Or....something???

nervousone · 05-13-2004, 02:25 AM

Hi

I'm a 40 y/o mom of 3 boys. I've recently stopped smoking cigarettes (habit since 12)m but haven't kicked "smoking" completely - just cigarettes. I have weaned myself down to less than 8 flavored cigars a day. I do, however, drink Pepsi like it's going out of style - I do know that I drink far more than normal but have done so for years. Other than the smoking, which began to leave me fatigued and short of breath, but has since lessened considerably on the stopping, I'm relatively healthy, in shape and can hang.

Background: cancer runs on my father's side, have lost several older relatives from it, my father's in remission from oral cancer.

Back to me.

I am a small breasted woman and I wear underwire bras for that little bit of an "umph" to my figure. The particular 2 bras I wear most often have, I assumed, been a little tighter in the underwire on the right side and I've notived over the last year or so that when I take it off, the right breast on the outside is always mildly sore - like from having been cramped up in the wire cup and shoved upward. I can usually rub them a little and the discomfort goes away - nothing actually painful.

Today, however, since I'd worn the bra overnight, when I took it off and rubbed them to get rid of that "crimped up" feeling from being in a bra at all I was really freaked out to feel a big bump on the outside of the right breast - feels like a small pecan just under the skin but right in the place the side of the underwire usually pinches and pushes. The bras aren't tight - but snug fitting, which is why I always figured they were just a little sore from being cooped up.

I don't have any idea how long it's been there but less than 6 months. I don't regularly do breast exams but about 6 months ago I did just to see. My breasts aren't "lumpy" to my knowledge and I've never felt anything like this ever. I've had the soreness but only after I've worn the bra for a long period so always attributed it to that.

The lump I can feel is firm, feels solid but if I cup my right breast and push against the lump with my fingers it does "give" side to side or whichever, and it does feel sore to the touch. Outside direct gentle pushing on it to get an idea of the mass, there's no sensation at all. It's not painful just being there, the overall bra fatigue goes away and is the reason I can't tell how long it's even been there because it took direct touch in the exact spot to even realize it was there.

Somewhere on the board I read possible suggestions of a caffine condition - I could see that given how many sodas I drink a day, and another suggestion that sometimes they go away, so wait til after the next menstrual cycle and if not, then see a doctor. Since I'm not due for another 2 1/2 weeks I'm going to wait it out and see if it was the wire irritating the membranes or something and see if it goes down over that period.

If not, then absolutely I will see a doctor to get it checked out.

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions what it might be...even tho I dread hearing them, I'd like to just face it down. I'll have to anyway...but some ideas about "lumps" would be appreciated.

Thanks.

quincy · 05-13-2004, 03:57 AM

Hi,

It could be any one of your possibilities suggested. I have one or two areas that are sensitive, but they've always been. I'll be asking my doctor for an ultrasound since I'm also small breasted and can't imagine them being pulled and then squished into a mammogram machine....YIKES!!

Caffeine seems to be a culprit for breast soreness, and if you're ingesting high amounts, it's possible. I hope you're not drinking diet Pepsi....gee, I won't even go there, but please stop drinking that stuff if you are.

It's possible the wire in the bra pressing on that area is causing an inflammation. Add pre-period since breast tissue is more congested, and the bump would be more irritated.

But, I would definitely consider calling your doctor immediately especially since it's on the outside of the breast where all the lymph nodes are.

The lump can be aspirated and the fluid tested...at least you'll know if you need further testing.

Don't wait.

It could be nothing, but at least you've had it checked out, and it won't be for naught.

Best to you,
quincy

nervousone · 05-13-2004, 05:34 AM

Oh no, that must've been a typo - it's under the skin, feels like just below the surface, but nothing visible on the outside at all.

I'm not drinking diet pepsi but yes, I go thru a 12 pak of Pepsi in 24 hours and 2 cups of coffee. I know. And I am ashamed.

Aside from that, what is the issue with Pepsi? Anything serious? I have a feeling I'll have to part company with the soft drinks...which will be harder than giving up cigarettes. Break it to me hard and fast while I'm bracing for it!

Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.

millpark26 · 05-13-2004, 08:40 AM

Nervousone ~
It could be something as simple and harmless as a fatty lipoma, however, you need to have it examined right away. This is not said to frighten or scare you but only to allow you to have peace of mind.

MaryAnn · 05-13-2004, 10:01 AM

It is possibly a breast cyst. I get those once or twice a year. If it doesn't go away after your period, you should see your doctor. I've had some that go away on their own and some that have to be aspirated. Cysts can be very sore around the time of your period. Caffeine is one thing you'll probably have to cut back on as it is linked to cysts. Your doctor will probably schedule a mammogram. I too and small busted, but the mammogram isn't all that bad. Just one tight squeeze. They may also want to do an ultrasound which is no big deal. I know it's scary but you have to remember that most breast lumps, like 80% are not cancer. Keep us up to date on how you're doing.