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Breast Cancer/Breast Lump diagnosis

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Expert: - 10/13/2006


Question
I'm only 22, but I found a lump in my breast about 2 1/2 weeks ago.  It was fairly small then, but now it has grown so much that my breast has increased a whole cup size and is quite painful to the touch.  I have already gone to see if fluid could be drawn and found that it couldn't.  I am scheduled for an ultrasound in 5 days, as well as a biopsy.  Is it possible to get breast cancer at my age?  If it's not cancer, what are the other possibilities?  My doctor was pretty vague with me (using explicitly medical terminology) and I have no clue what she meant?  Can you help?

Answer
It is POSSIBLE to get breast cancer at your age but it happens very rarely! Your symptoms sound like a case of fibrocystic breast condition to me. That is NOT cancer, but a very common disorder/condition that is hormonally dependent and in which there is an increase of fibrous tissue in the breasts with the appearence of fluid filled cysts inside the breasts. This makes them swell and tender and painful. It is not dangerous. It is most common close to the menstrual period. What your dr. wants done is ok in my opinion. Good luck!

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

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