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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
7/26/2012I am a 33 year old mother of two, currently nursing my one year old. I noticed a palpable lump about the size of a pea that is clearly different than surrounding breast tissue. It is mobile within the breast. Does not change with my cycle, does not change in relation to breast fullness or emptiness. It is slightly painful to the touch, with a strange, nerve like pain. My ob ordered an ultrasound today and the mass, while palpable, was not visible on the ultrasound. As I wait for my follow up appointment, I am wondering what the differential is for masses that do not show on ultrasound and what next steps are generally done. Mammo, mri, biopsy?
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
7/26/2012good it is small and good it is mobile. mammo of a lactating breast doesn't show anything. MRI is possible. biopsies can be tricky on a lactating breast tissue as it can create a fissure that doesn't heal well. OB doc might recommend stopping breast feeding on that side to get milk to stop so imaging studies can be more definitive. it is rare that small breast cancers in the breast cause pain too.

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