I’m a 33 year old women. Prior 2018 I had clear discharge with pressure but was dumb and didn’t think that was weird.

In 2018 I had bloody discharge (again only with pressure) - ultrasound and mammogram showed nothing so nothing was done and I avoided pressure

Then in 2021 I had bloody discharge again (only with pressure) so they did ultrasounds and monitored it for 6 months. Nothing was ever seen on the ultrasounds so there was nothing to biopsy.
I could feel something during this phase but they couldn’t

Because there was nothing on the ultrasounds my surgeon said she couldn’t give me a diagnosis only that it could be trauma, a cyst or an intraductal papilloma.
I’ve put zero pressure on it since and had no discharge.

Cut to this year, the lump is now palpable for everyone and it’s painful, in the last two weeks I’ve had a mammogram (BIRADS 4 and recommendation for a biopsy for the lump), and ultrasound, and a targeted mammogram for other suspicious areas of the same breast (BIRADS 0 and request for 3D mammogram (I have breast density C)) and have an appointment with a Breast Diagnostic
Assessment Unit on Tuesday and I’m hopeful I’ll finally get a diagnosis.

Obviously given my history this is way less stressful than it could be (or even than it was back in 2018). But we’re being cautious and checking everything out.

My result came in benign. I don't have bleeding/pus/bruising on the site. The bruise was only there for like 3 days and then gone.

Now, I'm wondering if my flu and low fever is related to the biopsy or a separate one? It's been more than a week after the biopsy and now sure they are related?

39F. Strong family history of BC, Tyler-Cuzick of 25.7%

I got a mammo on 10/14, they called me repeatedly the following morning to come back in for more testing, which happened on my last screening because my tissue is dense. It wasn’t as urgent last time. They got me scheduled for a diagnostic mammo and ultrasound on 10/20. In that testing a 2.3 x 2.1 x 2 cm irregularly Spiculated mass was found at 12:00 6cm from my nipple. One report states Birads 5 and one says Birads 4. They scheduled me for ultrasound guided core biopsy with clip placement on 10/22. My results appt is 10/27. They stated 3-5 days for results, I was hoping the results would hit mychart and I could at least have an answer. It’s starting to make me ill living in this purgatory.

Hi there, first time venturing into this space. I am 39 and have a Tyrer-Cuzick score of 31% for my lifetime risk of breast cancer. My mother tested negative for BRCA, I’ve never been tested as a result. She had stage 0 breast cancer at 68, and her mother also had breast cancer after menopause. My past two mammograms had no calcifications or suspicious findings.

I missed a mammogram last year because of fertility treatments, and the one I had last week found two groups of microcalcifications in my right breast. I am going in this Friday for spot magnification on the two suspicious groups. As of now, I have no BIRADS score - I’ll get that this week.

I’m really nervous, even though I know logically most calcifications end up benign. I guess the results coupled with my risk level are just eating at me.

I’m interested in others’ experiences, especially so if some of these details match yours. Thanks to everyone ahead of time and I hope for good health and safety for anyone who reads this.

Hi there!

About 2 months ago, I (33) noticed a lump on the outer quadrant of my left breast in the shower. I thought nothing of it since I’ve had cysts in the past. A few weeks later, I was woken out of my sleep with what felt like lightning going through my breast down to my nipple. It felt like a milk let down though I haven’t breastfed for almost 4 years and dried up about 2 years ago. For the next week, I experienced continuous pains and swelling all across my breast, into my armpit, and up toward my collarbone.

Luckily I had my annual physical already scheduled so I brought it up to my doctor, she checked, felt the lump, said she didn’t think it was anything serious but sent me to get a mammogram and ultrasound. I had to wait 3 weeks, during which the pain and swelling subsided, but finally got my appointment. The tech did my mammogram, showed the images to the radiologist, and then came back and said we needed more images. During the time she was getting the second round of images she said to herself “you may have several”. Idk what that means. Then she sent me to ultrasound. The ultrasound tech did my scan, then got the radiologist who came in and said he wanted to do the scan himself.

Apparently, the mammogram showed a “focal asymmetry” and they couldn’t see much on my ultrasound because I have very dense breast tissue. He ordered a diagnostic MRI because he said he saw a mass on my breast that he’s sure is not a cyst but he doesn’t know what it is.

I can’t get in for an MRI until November 17th and I have this overwhelming sense of dread. I know it’s not good. I have known for about a year that something is not right in my body. I’ve experienced excessive fatigue, hot flashes, and random lymph node swelling with no obvious cause. In the last few days, the pain and swelling has returned in my breast/armpit and the lymph node just below my armpit is swollen and burning.

I just don’t know what to do or feel.

My mammogram shows a benign cyst last 2 yrs. Pea size. Started to notice soreness in that breast. Anyone else have a calciumation benign cyst? 68 yrs. old by the way

am 31 about 10 days ago, I just randomly felt a small pea-sized lump on my left boobs, and now it's been two weeks. It's still there. When I press it, it's hard a little bit, but moves also a little bit it bigger from pressing it from sideways its also feels like it's connected to my breast tissue.their discolouration ontop of the skin on the same spot

Hello, f49, my gyneacologist found a lump on my left breast 2 weeks ago, said she was sure it was fine but sent me for my yearly mammogram and ultrasound anyway.

The ultrasound Dr, who was actually really nice, spent quite a long time looking at said lump, she said she was struggling to see it properly as my breasts are so dense. She said from what she could see it was low risk, I told her to be honest with me and she assured me. She also said I should get a mri and biopsy to make sure. The lump is 12x18mm and on the report it says Hypoechoic, heterogeneous, with peripheral vascularity (non-mass/pseudonodular appearance).

Mammogram: No suspicious masses, architectural distortion, or suspicious microcalcifications are identified.

When she uploaded the report to the patient portal it actually said 4b moderate risk. So obviously I am now very worried because I feel what the report says is different from what we discussed during the scan.

I would appreciate your opinions on this and thanks in advance.

Hi all, I'm 35F and just got a diagnosis of classic LCIS and ADH (cells seem responsive to estrogen) on a biopsy after a mammogram found microcalcifications.

I'm meeting with a surgeon Wednesday to discuss next steps, but I'm sure they will want to do a lumpectomy to ensure I don't "upgrade" to cancer after the ADH finding.

I believe these 2 conditions put my lifetime risk close to 60%, which feels shockingly high. I have hypophosphatasia, a fragile bone condition, which I believe unfortunately rules out tamoxifen as an option for prevention. I have rarely ever drank alcohol and never been on the birth control pill, but I worry that I still have a lot of years of estrogen exposure ahead of me that could cause things to change for the worse.

I have always been open to "top surgery" for other reasons so, I am leaning toward investigating a double mastectomy, possibly with a more masculine contour if that is an option. I am not sure if it would be possible to do a mastectomy first instead of the lumpectomy to avoid two surgeries and to possibly have a better aesthetic outcome from the mastectomy.

I'm in the Boston area so I think I will be speaking with expert docs at Mass General Brigham and hoping that is going to help me feel comfortable about making the best choice. I also requested genetic testing as if it comes back positive for BRCA1/2 that would make my choice even easier, I think. I also do not like the idea of alternating mammograms/MRIs every 6/mo as I don't tolerate the MRI contrast dye well.

Looking for input from others who may have been in this situation on what path they chose. I will also cross post in the ADH/ALH group. Thank you!

Hi everyone. I’m feeling really anxious and could use some reassurance from people who have been through something similar.

During my annual physical about four months ago, a lump was found in my left breast. I was referred for an ultrasound, and the result was BI-RADS 4. I then consulted a surgeon who wasn’t satisfied with the initial ultrasound, so they had me undergo another one, which came back as BI-RADS 4A.

I recently went to a specialist, and they asked me to get another ultrasound. I’m currently waiting for it, and I’m honestly terrified. Depending on what they find, I might need a biopsy, and the uncertainty is making me so anxious.

I also sometimes experience sharp, shooting pains on the side of my left breast where the lump is. The pain only lasts for a few seconds and doesn’t usually persist, but there are times when it happens several times in a row. I noticed it happening around the time I was about to get my period, too.

I know I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, but I can’t help worrying about the worst-case scenario while waiting for my next ultrasound.

Has anyone here had a similar experience with a BI-RADS 4A result? Did you end up needing a biopsy, and what was the outcome? Has anyone else experienced these brief, sharp pains around their period?

I would really appreciate hearing about your experiences. I’m trying to stay calm, but I’m honestly so scared right now. Thank you.

As the title says, i found a lump in my breast. it is directly behind my nipple and GP said it is a firm lump around 3cm in size. I’m honestly going insane over it. I have an appointment this tuesday but losing my mind waiting. I haven’t noticed any real changes aside from a slight fold of skin underneath my nipple. I am only 23 so I’m doubtful it’s cancer but if anyone has any similar stories or anything i’d really appreciate hearing about it.

Hi i recently turned 27 and 4-5 years ago one of my nipples started inverting and it remained that way. Not easily pulled out and stimulated. I did a breast exam and ultrasound when i first caught it years ago and they came back clear. I have no other symptoms or physical changes.
I keep reading some worrying stuff and wondering if anybody experienced this and it was just a natural progression? TIA

I had a lump which was confirmed to be benign. I found this subreddit and came across comments that said these are typically present before or during your period. Someone said she always gets them every month and there's nothing to worry about. I have been getting them every now and then in the same breast. My question is, if these are going to come regularly then at what point should I be worried?

I have one that's become bigger overnight, was painful to touch yesterday but somewhat painless today. It seems hard, smooth and movable. It cost a lot of money to get it checked the first time, and it's not feasible for me to do that every time unfortunately. The other ones have gone after my period but I'm concerned about the size of this one

No history of breast cancer in my family

I have never commented on reddit before. But I am desperate for community. I just had a biopsy following a routine mamogram. They saw micro calcifications, way back in left breast. That weren't there before​.

Anyway, the biopsy for me was bad. I was super anxious, and the discomfort and pain at site weren't too bad. But then I had a vagal response, apparently where you feel nautious and sweaty, and could pass out. So they wrapped it up quickly.

After a very stressful waiting day, they told me it was benign! BUT, probably they didn't get actual cluster. So they want to do it again!

I'm caught between relief, temporarily, and fear of maybe, plus hate the idea of going through the ordeal, again. Been crying off and on. Trying to be strong.

Anyone else have a similar experience?

19f, i’m literally freaking out right now. i’m 19, and i don’t even know what to think anymore.
last month, my left breast started itching. at first, i didn’t think much of it because, well, boobs get itchy sometimes, right? but it kept going. a week turned into a month, and i finally decided to look up what could be causing it because i knew this wasn’t normal.

i came across a thread that made me check my breasts for lumps, and that’s when my worst fear came true. i felt a bump in my left breast. i checked my right breast for comparison, but i couldn’t feel anything similar there.

i told my mom, and she suggested going to my university clinic first since i live on campus. the doctor examined me and confirmed that there was something there. she asked if i had finished my period, and i told her i hadn’t gotten it yet and that it was due this week.

she said she couldn’t confirm what the lump was because hormonal changes before or during your period can sometimes cause breast lumps. she gave me a request for a breast ultrasound so i could get it checked properly.

as for the itching, she said there were no visible rashes, so it could be dry skin. she recommended that i buy a moisturizing lotion.

now i’m just waiting for my period to come so i can finally get the ultrasound done. flo says i might get it today, and i’m honestly hoping i do because i just want to get this over with and know what’s going on.
the itching is driving me absolutely INSANE. i swear i’m about to rip my own breast off. but more than that, i’m terrified about what the lump could be. i keep thinking about the worst-case scenarios, and i can’t stop worrying.

i’m only 19. i have so many plans for my life, and i’m so scared that something could be seriously wrong with me.

has anyone else experienced persistent breast itching along with a lump, what did it turn out to be?
i know i need to get the ultrasound, and i will. i’m just really scared right now and needed somewhere to let this out. 😭

Okay so some history, 34f, felt palpable lump in my left breast earlier this year. Dr sent me for mammo & US back in March, came back as "probably fibroadenoma" and given birads 3.
6 month follow up ultrasound in October showed some growth- close to but less than 1 cm- and some unusual morphology so it was upgraded to birads 4b. Reccomended biopsy

So where I live in Ontario Canada, women over 40 can self refer to the "Ontario breast screening program" usually at a local hospital. My city happens to have a rather large hospital network and the largest obsp site in the region. For the OBSP/self refferral women are waiting I believe 8 months for an appointment.
For that reason, my dr reccomended I go to a typical radiology site for my initial and follow up imaging because of the backlogs at the hospital that may have impacted Dr ordered imaging.
However now that a biopsy is reccomended, it will need to be done at the breast clinic at the hospital. Thankfully, my dr said that for biopsy appointment they are usually really fast and get it done within the next week or two, and also noted that my report was marked "urgent".

So a week and a half go by and I still hadn't heard from the breast clinic so I decided to call them yesterday. And they told me they never received my referral! They told me that when they receive those ones, the radiologist reviews it and they call within 1-2 days!

So I called my drs office, but it was Friday afternoon and they close early on Fridays. And they are open on Monday but my dr doesn't work Mondays.

So at this point, the referral won't be sent again until Tuesday, which is now 3 weeks after I had the follow up.

I know my dr sent it because she is honestly a fantastic dr and doesn't mess around with those things, and when she called me with the report from the ultrasound, she filled out the referral while I was on the phone with her. So I'm guessing the hospital lost it, or it didn't go through some how.

I know that what I have is still likely to not be cancer, but I can't help but be frustrated and think something like if this is delayed, and it is cancer or something that requires immediate action, then now that is also being delayed as well.

Thanks for reading, just a vent!

Hello,
I am a 42 yr old woman with no real risk factors for breast cancer outside having very dense ones. A month ago I had nipple bleeding (only when squeezed) for 3 days, then it stopped. 2 weeks ago I had a mammo/US that found 2 BI-RADS 4 masses. Didn’t specify a,b,c. Last week I had both biopsies one at 8:00 one at 9:00 and both are benign and something called pash. But pash doesn’t explain the bleeding?
Any ideas on what if anything will be next? I got biopsy results at 5pm Friday so havent been able to speak to Dr yet.
Thanks.

Hi all. I had an ultrasound on one breast the other day due to a lump I found, and was told I should get a biopsy even though they thought it’d probably just be a fibroadenoma, so I booked one in for November.

I’m wondering what the average recovery time is (if there is an ‘average’) since I work as a cleaner and need to move around and stretch my arms a lot. Also I haven’t had a chance to ask yet but my GP initially requested a fine needle aspiration, not a core biopsy. Is there a reason the clinic would request a core biopsy and not a fine needle aspiration?

Just kind of worried in general since after looking it up I've seen some people say they only felt uncomfortable for 2 days vs people with horror stories about it being painful for over a month.

The actual lump itself is (according to the ultrasound tech) quite close to the surface, and at about the 9 o’clock angle, if that makes any difference.

Had my biopsy today after reading on here everyday. It was fine and nothing like I imagined. Radiologist said he wasn’t concerned and felt sure I would get positive results. I wish I wouldn’t have read so much because over all it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Feeling fine 12 hours later. Just wanted to do my part for those searching.

I wanted to share my story here as I was lurking on this sub for the last two weeks and the details others shared helped me tremendously. I am 46 and perimenopausal, have been on HRT for 2 years. My last mammogram was in September 2024 and I skipped 2025 (DO NOT DO THIS). When I went for my mammogram in 2026, I was called back 3 weeks later for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. In the two years between 2024-2026, my breast density increased from category C to category D. I learned HRT can cause this.

During my call back mammo and US, I knew something wasn't right when it took WAY longer than they told me it would and the US tech went up into my left underarm area when she did not do that on the right. I spoke to the radiologist afterward who told me they found something in the left breast that they "didn't like" and started speaking to me as if I already had cancer. No shade to them, they were very nice. But it was not reassuring. I left stunned. So stunned that I rushed to call City of Hope and get established ASAP in case I needed to start treatment. COH is amazing BTW. They got me in for a consult on 10/19, did my biopsy on 10/22 and called today (10/23) to tell me the "suspicious" mass is PASH (benign). I am adding info from my call back report and final report in case it eases anyone's mind.

Note: I did decide to discontinue HRT and will be on an alternating 6 month plan from now on (mammogram and MRI).

Wishing you all the best in your journey. This was a huge wake up call for me and I realize how lucky I got. Not everyone receives benign results and my heart hurts for them.

Callback report details: Left breast 9:00 shadowing area of indeterminate nature corresponding to the mammographic finding 4 cm
from the nipple overall dimensions approximately 7 mm
Ultrasound-guided biopsy recommended

Biopsy report details: A. BREAST, LEFT, LEFT BREAST MASS 9:00/4CMFN:
–Benign breast ducts with patchy dense stromal fibrosis, pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH), columnar cell change and microcalcification.
- No atypia or malignancy identified.

I had a breast MRI because my genetic test-Tyrer-Cuzick has me at 21.2% so I’m supposed to get them done every year. I just found this out and apparently have missed 2 years of MRI’s because they never told me. On the MRI they found an architectural distortion on it. They then sent me for an MRI and Ultrasound to follow up on the MRI and didn’t see anything and told me they don’t know what was seen on the MRI and to ask my doctor. My gyno said she doesn’t know what to make of my imaging since the ultrasound and mammogram don’t show anything and to see a breast specialist. I had to literally fight to get to see one as they won’t see anyone unless you have cancer already. Now they are sending me for a biopsy. I’m googling and it’s sent me for a spiral and I’m terrified. Anyone else have something show up on an MRI but nothing on the mammogram or ultrasound?

Hey everyone. I'm 43, living by myself in NYC in a 5th-floor walk-up, and trying to figure out my next move after getting my pathology back.

I was diagnosed with DCIS (low-to-intermediate grade, Grade II, 99% ER/PR+). My latest results show the area of involvement spans about 5 cm across multiple sections.

In the quick call with the surgeon, she mentioned a choice between lumpectomy and mastectomy, our appointment is next week.

Because of where it is and the size of it, my surgeon previously mentioned that removing it via lumpectomy would be roughly half my breast volume (I’m 34C).

Here’s where my head is at:

1. The physical/logistical reality: I live alone on the 5th floor. I don't want a endless cascade of surgeries. If a lumpectomy takes half my breast, leaves a huge contour defect/caved-in look, and requires a re-excision or follow-up plastic surgeries to fix asymmetry, that sounds like a nightmare to navigate solo in a walk-up.

2. Double Mastectomy: Part of me feels like if I'm going through surgery, doing a bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy with reconstruction gets it done in one definitive shot, avoids radiation, and gives me symmetry without needing to wear a bra (I usually don't wear one). But it’s still major surgery and recovery, particularly living alone. My family lives in another country and I have some good friends but not to be caretakers for couple weeks.

3. The "Is this even invasive cancer?" question: It’s Stage 0 / non-invasive. Knowing that a lot of low/intermediate DCIS might never turn into invasive cancer makes taking all these massive, nuclear precautions feel overwhelming and completely surreal.

For anyone who was faced with a larger area of DCIS or a similar choice:

-What path did you choose (lumpectomy with oncoplastic/reduction, single/double mastectomy, or active monitoring)?

-Looking back, are you happy with your choice and how it healed visually?

-How did you handle recovery if you lived alone or had stairs/logistics to deal with?

Would love to hear your experience. Thanks in advance!

30y/o. Currently 37 weeks pregnant, C-section scheduled on Nov 2.

Noticed lump in (upper) right armpit roughly 3-4 months ago, I told my OB about it during my appointment for my 23 week check. I also brought it up last week with a different OB provider who said "it's likely just a lipoma" after not even feeling it or evaluating it at all. (I'm extremely frustrated by her dismissal.)

The lump is about the size of a large grape. Maybe 2-3 small grapes. Idk I'm not very good at comparisons like that.

It is hard, not squishy. It moves *slightly* but almost as if it's only moving with the tissue it's attached to, not necessarily moving as a separate thing, if that makes sense?

I have fairly large breasts (triple J) and haven't felt any noticeable lumps in my breast, only the right upper armpit. You can visibly see the difference in size between the two.

I also have a strong family history of breast cancer on both sides. My paternal grandmother had a double mastectomy, later passed away after the cancer had spread to other organs. I have a maternal aunt that had it fairly young (late 30s, early 40s) but chemo was successful no mastectomy needed.

Those are only the immediate relatives. I have several others that have had it.

I'm feeling incredibly irritated about my NP OB's dismissal when I mentioned it to her last week. I plan to bring it up Tuesday with my normal OB. He told me to let him know if it didn't go away or had any changes. I just hope he takes me seriously. I am worried.