Is
it normal to have lumpy breasts?
Normal
breasts can be smooth or lumpy. Most lumps are due to normal changes in breast
tissue that occur during development. Your breasts may also feel different or
lumpy around the time of your period. If you do notice that a new lump appears
in your breast and does not disappear after your period, you should contact
your health care provider.
What
if I notice a new lump or something different about my breasts?
Most
lumps or changes in your breasts that occur when you are a teen or young woman
are due to normal changes in the breast tissue. If you find a lump it could be
from hormonal changes, an injury, a breast cyst filled with fluid from a
blocked mammary gland (milk-producing gland), an infection, or a benign (not
cancerous) tumor called a fibroadenoma. If the lump is sore or the skin over it
is red, you may have an infection and you should contact your health care
provider. If your breast just feels lumpy, check it again after your next period,
since your breasts may feel different or lumpy to the touch around or before
the time of your period. If the lump doesn't disappear after you finish your
period, see your health care provider (HCP). Your HCP may order an ultrasound
of your breast to figure out what kind of lump you have. If you have a
fibroadenoma, your HCP will discuss whether it can be regularly examined and
watched without any special treatment, or if you need surgery to remove it.
What
if I notice a hard lump and redness on my breast?
A
hard lump in the breast with redness over it could mean you have a deep
infection called a breast abscess (sometimes called Mastitis), especially if
you also have breast pain and a fever. Although a breast abscess is usually a
complication of breastfeeding, other things can cause breast infections, such
as shaving, tweezing, or plucking hairs around the nipple area; sexual play
that causes trauma; or getting a cut on the breast. Abscesses can also occur if
a duct becomes blocked during breast development, or from bacteria getting into
the nipple. It's best to try to prevent a breast infection by avoiding things
that could cause trauma or cuts to your breast(s). If you're breastfeeding,
keep your nipples clean and dry.
If
you think you or a friend might have a breast abscess, don't wait! Make an
appointment to see your HCP and start antibiotics right away.
What
if I have a bump on my breast(s) from a sports injury or fall?
Treat
your breast injury as you would treat an injury on any other part of your body.
If the lump is sore and black & blue, it's probably from the injury. If you
feel a lump but you don't remember injuring yourself, or if the lump is still
present after a week, see your HCP. Don't worry - there's no link between
breast injury and breast cancer.
Written and reviewed by the CYWH
Staff at Boston Children's Hospital
Source: youngwomenshealth.org
Source: youngwomenshealth.org
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