Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Breast Abnormalities and Other Symptoms General questions about breast health and possible symptoms. |
12,362 | ![]() |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/26/2012 | I 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? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 7/26/2012 | good 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. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.

