Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 10/16/2007

Question

Hello,

My name is Laura and I am eighteen years old.  For a couple of years now, I have noticed that my right breast is not only bigger than my left, but also more sensitive and sore to the touch.  I also can sometimes feel a lump, which seems to move and isn't exactly round or one shape, or terribly hard, but slightly firm.  I can remember injuring my breast(s) when I was younger, but I can't recall how or how severe.

I have no family history of breast cancer and I know it is unlikely at my age, but it still worries me.  I have not yet had a mammogram, but I have a physical planned soon and I will have one then.

Also, I'm not sure if this has any relation to anything, but my nipple on my right breast retracts a lot more often than my left, and I also have a mole on the side of my right breast.  I have read that moles have something to do with cancer, but that might just be me being paranoid.

Any input and/or advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.

-Laura

Answer
Skin moles are associated with a skin cancer called malignant melanoma. When you go to your dr. let him/her have a look at the mole in order to know what to do about it - if indeed anything. At your age breast cancer is not really anything to worry about! What you feel - especially since it is tender and sore - is probably a fibrocystic breast condition. If so it should be hormonally dependent so you should be able to notice differences during your periods. People are seldom completely symmetrical so your breast and nipple differences are probably within the normal range. But to be sure let your dr. check your breasts too! Good luck!