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bump, lump...bruise?...whatever it is...

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Posted 7/16/2009 9:42 PM (GMT 0)

Approximately 6 months or so(maybe longer)I found a lump on my right breast. It sits a few centimeters below the areola, almost towards the edge of the in the 6 oclock position. This lump feels a little more prominent than it used to, maybe slightly bigger and after a while, the skin above it has turned to a color, like a slight, faint bluish grey burise, right above the area where the lump is. The lump doesnt feel like it moves. It feels stationary in the tissue, with one side being maybe slightly rounded and the other side of it feeling more like the edge of a speedbump, it slopes down and attaches into the surrounding tissue. It doesnt hurt, it never has. When I press down on the lump, it almost feels like it has an indent or a bumpy texture in some areas. It is about the size of an extra-large pinto bean(if those exist)maybe the size of a lima bean but it isnt squishy. I had a hysterectomy in 2000 for cervical cancer with microinvasion, everything was removed but my ovaries, which they attached somewhere else. I had another surgery a year later to remove a mass from my ovary that was potentially malignant. I have been good since 2001. I have a bad taste in my mouth from dealing with all of that. Perhaps that is why I just put it off, and chalked it up to being a cyst. Maybe it is. Who knows.

I know that nothing can be determined until I have tests done, mammo and US and/or biopsy. I have no insurance and I am in the process of setting up an appointment with a local breast clinic, so Im working on getting in as soon as I can.

I came here looking for feedback from others who have been or are currently in the position I am in. The anxiety of the waiting game is horrible. Giving the description I have given of this mystery bump, can anyone relate? Does this thing sound like it could potentially bad news? I know that our bodies differ and sizes and shapes of lumps can differ, some can turn out to be nothing, some can be, well, not so good. Realistically, I just want to know what Im facing . Even though, I try to educate myself and keep up with current testing and Ive been a little familiar with the testing process, I dont completely know what I should be pushing for when it comes to the right procedures.

Can anyone share with me the likelihood of this lump being cystic or not so good?

Posted 7/16/2009 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
If its appearance has changed over time, and it's grown, it definitely can't hurt to get it checked out. I would caution you about trying to figure odds on whether or not it's cancerous though, since there's not much anyone who is not a doctor that's done a physical exam can give you in the way of accurate feedback, and speculation is apt to only bring you more anxiety, and I'd hate to think it might scare you away from testing.

If you have difficulties connecting to health care, try contacting a local community health center for information. They generally can help you hook up to medical services at a reduced cost, or offered on a sliding scale. Local cancer advocacy organizations may be able to help too. Find them in your phone book, 411, or by doing a search on one of the web phone book sites.

Hope everything turns out ok for you!
Posted 7/16/2009 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Thanks for replying. I really wasn't posting hoping that someone could give me odds on whether this is cancerous or not. My apologies if it came out that way. Im really just looking for others who are in this situation to shed light with their own experiences with finding a lump in their breast and the way they navigated through the system with medical procedures. Im looking for support and understanding, as well as the truth.

Thanks for the reply!
Posted 7/17/2009 10:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Graces. I think you have reason to be concerned. I think you need to have this lump checked out. While something like 80% of all lumps that get to the point of breast biopsies are benign, obviously the women who come here on a regular basis have been in the 20% that were positive, but lots of women come here, get their lumps and bumps checked, and find out it is nothing, and then we don't hear from them again. And we are thrilled for them! I hope you are in that latter group.

You should really see a doctor first and have a professional examine you, which should be your first step. You can call the local American Cancer Society or get in touch with the Susan G. Komen foundation re: low- or no-cost screening mammography, which would be the next step. With all of your other health issues, have you ever had a baseline mammogram done?

Let us know what you find out.

Hugs...
BEV
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