the lumpier bits around your aereola are likely mammary glands. if the lump is hard and tender, that should be checked out. um...get to know your lumps, they tend to stay in the same place. i'm pretty fortunate because mine aren't lumpy at all, thank god, because i'd freak out every time i touched them, thinking i was getting a tumor. i kinda suck at this. it's really about knowing your boobs.
I agree with KC, I had lumpy boobs and over the years they have balanced out and now feel normal. Go to a doctor, get them to check you out, if they don't seem worried then spend some time getting to know your boobs, and where the lumps sit. So if something new comes up, you'll know.
It's hard for me to be me over here. I have some great suggestions but they will likely get deleted by the nazi mod over here.
You are looking for changes. Lumps that weren't there the last time you checked, changes in the colour of your skin, painful areas and such.
A very important thread. Looking at the increassing number of breast cancer patients there are women who are still ignorant about this issue.
this is a great thread !! I am glade you made it !! Possible Symptoms *Changes to look for in your breasts *Any new lump (which may or may not be painful or tender) *Unusual thickening of your breasts *Sticky or bloody discharge from your nipples *Any changes in the skin of your nipples or breasts, such as puckering or dimpling *An unusual increase in the size of one breast *One breast unusually lower than the other How do u check for lumps? Start by standing in front of a mirror. Look at your breasts with your arms at your side, with your arms raised behind your head, and with your arms on your hips and your chest muscles flexed. Next, lie down with a pillow under your left shoulder. Put your left hand behind your head and feel your left breast with the pads of the 3 middle fingers on your right hand. Start at the outer edge and work around your breast in small circles, getting closer to your nipple with each circle. After you've finished checking your breast, squeeze your nipple gently and look for discharge (fluid coming out of the nipple). Do the same thing to your right breast with a pillow under your right shoulder. Be sure to include the area up to your collarbone and out to your armpit. You have lymph nodes in this area. Cancer can spread to lymph node tissue. here is the link ... I hope it helps it also has pics so that might help too !!! http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/reproductive/breast/018.html
I think all the women in this forum should give their attention Bareftinafieldofwldflwers has posted here for us. Thank you Bareftinafieldofwldflwers.
Breast health is something you need to learn to do for yourself. Doctors are good and all, but you need to find the lumps yourself, otherwise you will be going to the doctor an awful lot. Mammograms may find them too late. Become comfortable with your breasts; check them often. Send some loving energy their way, make it fun. Just do it. The herbalist Susun Weed has an excellent book on breast health and being proactive in your care called "Breast Cancer? Breast Health!" It explains how do to exams, and offers advice on herbal and nutritional supplements (by which I mean diet modifications not crap from GNC).
I've heard that you should teach your significant other what to look for, too, since they spend time with your breasts and can possibly notice changes. I've never actually done this, but it's a good idea.
