Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 4/29/2009

Question
Hello,
I am a 30 year old female.  I noticed a few months ago that I have a sore and tender lump in my right breast close to my armpit.  My Dr. did a breast exam and said she felt it too and sent me for a mammogram and ultrasoud.  The mammogram showed no signs of any malignancies.  The ultrasound showed that I have cysts.  My Dr. told me to stay away from caffeine and buy new bras for comfort.  The lump is still there.  It is still sore and tender.  I also feel a little something in my armpit, but it could just be a lymph node because I think I feel it in my left armpit too.  I feel like I should get a second opinion just to make sure the lump is not cancerous.  The reason why is because when the technician was doing the ultrasound ,she said to me, "Wow, because of the spot this is in, it's really hard to get a good picture."  It makes me nervous to think, what if it just didn't pick up cancer?
I do not have any breast cancer in my immediate family, but I still worry.  My Mom has many cysts, so I know that it is a possibility that it could be just cysts.  But if so, will they ever go away?  I am trying to get pregnant... will I be alright during pregnancy?  Can cysts turn into cancer?  Do breast cancer lumps get sore and tender?  Do you think I should get a second opinion?
Thank you so much for your time!
Melissa

Answer
The fact that the lump is sore & tender makes it less likely that it has anything to do with cancer. It is unlikely that ordinary cysts would turn into cancer. However I do suggest that needle biopsies should be done on the 2 lesions you have described. So that we would KNOW what they are!