[BigWorrier135]

Hi, I am 14 and I have a lump on the side of my right breast, which is attached to my breast tissue but close to the rib cage. It is long and has pebbly surface, it isn't smooth. I have had it for a couple of years I think, but today I told my mum about it for the first time. To me she acted like it was fine, however I heard her on the phone to her friend and she sounded worried, like it may be serious. I am scared it may be cancerous.

Most 14 year olds who say they think they have Breast cancer get told they are being silly because their breasts are still developing. But my breasts aren't growing anymore, they are HH cuP and have been for a year now, possibly more. Also my hormones are relatively settled , I have had my period regularly for almost 4 years now. I'll admit though that this lump does get more inflamed around the time of ovulation and sometimes when I am on my period.

Also I have family history. My dads mother died of breast cancer and his sister had her breasts operated on because she tested positive for the gene.

So I am really worried about this lump... What with me having breasts bigger than many women which are fully developed (which I hate by the way) and my hormones being settled and having family history, what is the likelihood of it being cancerous? I need someone to tell it to me straight, instead of saying what will make me feel better.

After all most people survive from breast cancer right?

But it's not really the idea of cancer and dying that scares me, it's the idea of chemotherapy and losing all my hair and getting sick that terrifies me.

So please can someone help? This has been worrying me on and off for the last 2 years but I have never been this scared about it before please help!

[Eileen G]

Statistically, the chances are extremely low that you have breast cancer at 14. Even with a family history and developed breasts, it's still amazingly rare.

Please go to your doctor and get the lump checked out. It's almost certainly something straightforward that can be either treated or ignored, but either way, you'll know.

I know of a woman who spent a year worrying about a lump between her breast and armpit, and too scared to go to the doctor. It turned out to be a pimple! But she pretty much ruined that year with worrying.

In the incredibly unlikely event that it is cancer, you have the advantage of youth and health on your side. No, chemo and hair loss are not fun, but they are temporary. Hair grows back. I've never met anyone who got treated for cancer who regretted it.

[Wondergirl]

Like Eileen (or anyone else), I can't say what it is, but chances are good it is NOT breast cancer. It could be a cyst that can be drained or surgically removed or even, with meds, made to dissolve.

It's good that you found it and have kept an eye on it, but now it's time to actually do something about it. Make sure your mom takes you to the doctor very soon -- not to keep you from dying of cancer, but to keep you from stressing out from worry.

WG, breast cancer survivor (lumpectomy and radiation and lots of new friends)

[BigWorrier135]

Thank you for all your help. My mum took me tO the doctors yesterday and we discovered it's what they call a Fibroademona or a "Breast Mouse".

[Eileen G]

That's great news. Now you can go and enjoy your life.