Warning Signs

 


Warning Signs
If you feel an unusual lump in your breast, don't panic - breast cancer is extremely rare in teens. In fact, among teen girls, the most common type of breast lump is usually related to normal breast growth and development. Some other common conditions that cause breast lumps include noncancerous growths called fibroadenomas (pronounced: fye-bro-ah-duh-no-muh), and small, fluid-filled cysts that tend to vary in size with a girl's menstrual cycle. These fibrocystic breast changes are common and affect more than half of all women. They're related to the normal cycling of hormones associated with menstruation and are typically worse just before and at the start of your period. If you have fibrocystic breast changes or other breast problems that may make it difficult to perform a good BSE, talk with your doctor.
Infections can also cause breast lumps, as can an injury to the breast.
If you have any of these problems, you should talk to your doctor:
· pain in your breast that seems unrelated to your period
· a new lump, bump, or other change in your breast that you are concerned about
· a red, hot, or swollen breast
· fluid or bloody discharge from your nipple
· a lump in your armpit
The goal of a BSE is for you to get used to the way your breasts feel. The better you know your body, the healthier you can be!