5 replies to this topic

[melissaphish]

My breasts seem they they are lumpy everywhere - how do you distinguish a normal lump from a potentially bad lump???

[Ginger Snap]

I haven't started doing these yet, but would also be interested to know.

[tyedyedee]

i have fibroids in my breasts, too (lumpy boobs)
the protocol there is to get a baseline feel for them and then just note any changes
a baseline mammogram wouldnt hurt, either, i dont think
at least that is what my dr did for me, especially since there is a history of breast cancer in my family
i started at 35, i think?

there is a new procedure, too, which allows them to see even smaller tumors
http://www.cancernew...Article/210.asp
probably overkill for most but valuable for those with dense boobies and family hx
will be mentioning it at my next appt

[nancykind]

if you have ANY concerns, go get a mammo right away Melissa. other than that, the lumps probably change throughout your cycle and like Dee said, it's a matter of getting to know your breasts at all stages of your cycle. that said, any hard pea-like lump should be checked out no matter what/when. next time you're at your gyn's office, ask if they have the silicone boob with the hidden lumps in it. i'm sure they will. one year i had to feel the silicone boob, find the lumps AND match up what i felt, to a picture of the lumps. it was harder than you'd think but you'll be able to feel for yourself the difference between your own fibrous tissue and a lump.

[nancykind]

pea of any size, i should add.

[Jersey Thug]

a tip my physician gave me is to use the pads (not nail tips, but the sensitive flat part) of your middle and index finger together to perform the self-exam.

if you've never been instructed on how to perform one, ask your doctor. it's good to have a baseline and know what's normal for you, as others have said, so a mammogram isn't a bad idea either.