Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 6/27/2007

Question
I have scoliosis that affects my left shoulder, I get muscle spasms and pain, goes from the back of my shoulder to the front, under arm towards breast, I have had this for some time.
Recently I found something under my arm that concerned me so I went to the Nurse Practioner at the health department were I get my yearly pap and breast exams, she did not feel the "lump" I was worried about, said it was probably a tendon (I think is what she called it)She did a breast exam, thought things felt fine, then went back over the breast that I was there about the lump in armpit, after feeling for sometime she decided that there was a more thick spot in that breast than my other, said it wasn't really defined, and asked me to feel it, I felt it, but it feels to me like it always does.  She said she could use that as a refferel to a place that could give me an ultrasound or mammogram (I don't have ins.) but she thought it was probably nothing.  I told her about the scoliosis and she said it could just be muscle.
I talked to my Mom and Husband, they  both feel that I know my body and if I think that is how it has been for years then not to worry and I don't need the second check.
I am torn and would like an outsiders thoughts on what I should do.
Oh, one more note I had my yearly physical just last month, different Nurse Practioner who said all was well.  I do my self exams montly and have had a yearly professional exam for the last 12-13 years, too young for mammorgrams yet, I am 28, thanks.

Answer
Yes you are too young for routine mammograms unless you have breast cancer in your family. If you can not feel anything in your breast that has changed there is not much cause for alarm, though I would prefer that an experienced dr. checked what you have felt under your arm! That in spite of that you have no insurance. That is after all something new that you have felt yourself! Good luck!