Join Our Community!
Share
Cancer > Breast Cancer Forum > Diagnosing breast lumps
Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer. Review types of breast cancer and examine possible risk factors here....
Do you know the warning signs for breast cancer? When should you see your doctor about possible breast cancer symptoms? More information here....
User Profile
Q: Diagnosing breast lumps
asked by: DoctorQuestion on August 13th, 2009
My 18 year old sister has notice a lump under her breast. It is so painful that she cant wear a bra or really bend over. Could it be from sweating under her breast and her bra rubbing.


Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(1)
User Profile
Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD
replied on August 16th, 2009
Breast Cancer Answer A7077


It is hard to tell what the lump is without seeing it. It might be an inflammation of the skin, of certain of the skin glands (sweat or sebaceous glands), or even the breast gland tissue. The lower side of the breast is exposed to heat and moisture due to sweating. These conditions might cause inflammation, which might even be accompanied with infection. However, with this inflammation usually there is redness, too.


As told before the lump might be due to mastitis which is an inflammation of the breast tissue. The inflamed tissue is painful and swollen. There might be redness present if the tissue is close enough to the skin. If the tissue is close to the nipple, and infection is present, there might be fluid draining from the nipple.


In the end, it is possible that the lump might be a tumor. Whether it might be benign or malignant cannot be determined for sure.


As you can see, there are many possible diagnoses for the breast lump which vary from dangerous to those with the smallest risk of further complications and consequences. Therefore, your sister is advised to visit her family doctor. He would make the basic examination and might be able to recognize what specialist should diagnose the lump and further refer her.




DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Breast Cancer , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.
Did you find this post useful?
|
This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.
Quick Reply
Search