Breast Cancer/Pea sized lump

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Expert: - 9/28/2007


Question
I'm a 19 yr old female, and I know it is very rare to find someone my age with breast cancer, but I'm concerned about a lump I recently noticed. It is  right below my nipple it showed up about a year ago, and it is very prominent (its smaller than a pea) you can see it right under the skin right below my nipple, its hard and sensitive. I'm concerned because there is a history of breast cancer in my family.

Answer
If it is sensitive (= tender, painful) it is rather unlikely that it has anything to do with cancer. Also as you already know at your age a breast cancer is EXTREMELY unlikely. Furthermore if you have noticed it for about one year and it is still smaller than a pea it is even more improbable that this is a cancer. So if all this is taken together the risk of any cancer is indeed remote at present even with a family history of breast cancer. However, since it obviously bothers you, let a dr. check it and then you do not need to worry any more! 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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