What does a lump in breast mean besides cancer?
I am almost 16 years old and just recently noticed a somewhat large, hard, and lumpy feeling mass in my right breast. I am extrememly embarassed about the stituation and don’t know if I am just being paranoid. Is it possible for me a to have breast cancer?
I hope it’s not. You can get effects like lumps during your menstrual cycle. Is the a school nurse you could go see quick.
Courtney – At 16 years of age, your chance of having breast cancer is almost zero. More likely your breast tissue, closest to the nipple is normally developing into adult features. What puzzles some young ladies is that one breast may start enlarging before the other so that at first one lump only is felt. There are several possible, but less likely causes of benign lumps in the breast, including a benign fibroadenoma nodule, a benign cyst, and even a deep skin benign tumor, including a lymph node. My best guess = developing normal breast tissue. Have your doctor check it out on your next visit.
At your age your chances of being struck by lightning are far greater than your chances of developing breast cancer.
Breast cancer in someone under 20 is almost unheard of, and fewer than 0.1% of all those dignosed are under 30, with only 5% being under 40. Most (80%) are over 50.
Breasts are pretty lumpy, bumpy things anyway; most breast lumps, even in women over 50, aren’t cancer. At least 80% of breast lumps considered serious enough for biopssy are found to be benign.
At your age, with your breasts still growing and developing, any changes you notice in your breasts are almost certainly normal hormonal development.
It is NOT recommended that girls your age do breast self-examination; they will worry you unnecessarily and tell you nothing. The American Cancer Society and other cancer organisations recommend that women begin breast self examination at no younger than 20 – if then; some cancer professionals say 30. Before that it’s pointless; firstly because there are so many hormonal changes that there is no ‘normal’ – and self examination is about a woman knowing what’s normal for her and reporting any changes. And secondly because the chance of breast cancer is almost nil.
Talk to your mum about this; she may well be able to reassure you. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, talk to your school nurse. She will be used to girls having concerns like this and will take you seriously and be able to reassure you that you don’t have breast cancer.
Probably not. I had some of the same issues. Go to the doctor and they’ll do an ultrasound. Odds are it’s just a cyst!