Hi Teresa,
Well, I was under the wrong impression that cancer never hurt, so when I felt a lump that was a bit painful, I figured it was just a cyst. When it didn't go away (after 3 or 4 months), I went to have a doctor check it out. I went through some tests and found that it was cancer. I had successful surgery and am fine now, yea! But my theory of cancer not being painful went out the window. Having said that, a LOT of times, a painful lump is just a cyst, or an issue with a gland, so I wouldn't worry prematurely. The only way to know, is to have your doctor check it out, and don't delay like I did. I would request a mammogram or an ultrasound, even if the doc says it's nothing, not that I distrust doctors, but they HAVE been known to make mistakes, and this is your body and your life we're talking about. We have to be aggressive advocates for ourselves when it comes to our health and wellness. It's probably nothing serious, but you have to be sure.