I found a lump in my left breast. My doctor said that it was an inflammed mamogland. I keep having breast pain. How do I know if I have breast cancer or not? I dont know if I am too young because I am only 19. My left breast keeps getting bigger and I am suffering from pain every so often. I dont know what to do! Help?

J_9

It may very well be an inflamed mammary gland, but you need to be sure. You need to INSIST on a fine needle biopsy and a mammogram. That is the first step. Yes, you are very young, but cancer does not know age. Believe me I had breast cancer 10 years ago and I was told I was too young. I also had a lump that was painful and was told, by the doctors believe it or not, that breast cancer is not painful.

Well, I took my health in my own hands and demanded that something be done. I went through 7 doctors before I found one who would actually listen to my concerns. And, yes, I did have cancer.

If you have a lump and can feel the lump, become proacitve in your own health and make them check it out. The first doctor I saw said that I had fibroids. So, I listened and waited. Three years later it was not a fibroid but breast cancer and I had to have a bilateral radical mastectomy. Had the original doctor done his job I could have had a simple lumpectomy.

So, please seek a second, third, or fourth opinion if you have to.

pittsburgh1

You should always get a second opinion if you are not trusting your doctor. I know what you are going through emotionally with this I have been through several fibriods in my breast. And it never gets easier we always think cancer. Your doctor should have ordered an ultrsound and mamogram a trained eye can usually tell from a simple ultrsound if it is cancer or not. It is true that breast cancer is USUALLY not painful although depending on the location it in fact can be. Just take a deep breath and get it checked out so you dont have to wonder and worry. Take care.