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Breast Abnormalities and Other Symptoms
General questions about breast health and possible symptoms.
12,362 Ask a Question

AskedPublicly Submitted Question
5/10/2012I have a 17 yr old daughter who has been seen by her PCM but not an OBGYN for what appears to look like cysts in both breast. She's been having a discharge from her nipples. The PCM referred her to the OBGYN ASAP, but her father, which whom she stays with has ignored this and not had her seen. I recently had a friend who lost her 19 yr old to breast cancer, for the same cysts and by the time the mammogram was done, she was already in stage 4 and died shortly after. Should I be alarmed?
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
5/10/2012First, breast cysts are common, especially in young women, and are benign fluid filled sacs. it is very very rare for a teen to develop breast cancer. mammograms are also not useful for someone of this age. ultrasound is more helpful. when nipple discharge is happening from both breasts at the same time the majority of the time this is associated with hormonal changes due to menstrual cycle or due to being on the Pill. The next step would be to have an ultrasound performed to confirm all is well. your friend who lost her daughter would not have lost her daughter due to having breast cysts. and benign breast cysts cannot turn into cancer either. sorry to hear she lost her daughter so young.

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