Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 10/8/2010

Question
I am a 24 year old with no history of breast cancer in my family. I am nursing my 7 month old and about a week ago experienced pain on the outer side of my left breast while lying in bed. It felt like I was engorged, but I definitely was not. This sore feeling pain persisted for 3 days. I began feeling around and noticed a very small, hard lump and many (what seemed to be) swollen glands (like a wad of small computer cords). I went to the doctor and she found a larger lump next to my nipple on the other side. All are movable and seem to be smooth. The part that concerns me is the "mass" of glands that is very confusing for me to distinguish. I have never given myself an exam, and I know breastfeeding changes everything, so those may be reasons for my not knowing. My doctor ordered a sonogram, but I am hesitant to get it done, as I'm almost certain that it is unnecessary. I really feel that this is just from breastfeeding, but at the same time I'm a little worried. Is this a common feeling/problem? My doctor wouldn't say much, she just said to do warm compresses and call back for a sono if there were no changes. The only thing that has changed is that I can't find the small hard lump anymore, but the bigger one is still there and so are the "computer cords". Please give me any advice from you experience that you can. Thank you so much in advance!

Answer
Well it is very possible even very probable that this is nothing serious and something connected with your breast feeding. But since it worries you I can not understand why you do not want the ultrasound scan (sonogram) done! If you want to be absolutely sure that nothing serious is there you can also demand fine/thin needle aspiration biopsies of your lesions. They can be guided by touch or by ultrasound or both. They will not disturb your breast feeding. Good luck!




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