“Why do I have a painful lump on my breast?”
I'm 21 years old, and have zero history of breast cancer. However, the other day, I discovered that I have a lump on my left breast that hurts whenever I apply pressure to it. Should I see a doctor?
2 Answers
Painful lump may be a concern. This depends on the time of your cycle. A week prior to onset of your menses, the breast may be lumpy and tender due to estrogen effect on breast tissue. It is advisable to have a self breast exam 1 week after your menses. Should there be a lump at such times, follow the lump for 3 months and assess any changes - size, tenderness, consistency, and discuss this with your pcp/obgyn to further investigate.
This is usually hormonal. Leave the area alone and recheck 5 days after your next period. If it is still there, you need an appt. with a gynecologist.
Doug Young, MD
Doug Young, MD
