Large lump in breast now breastfeeding has stopped

6 replies

sisteroutlaw · 05/07/2011 22:34

Just looking for reassurance really. My 13 month old DS decided to stop BFing 10 days ago. Kept offering for a few days but he'd made his mind up. I pumped a small amount last Monday to ease pressure on right boob. The milk had a green tinge, but I put that down to the agnus castus I'd been taking (down to two feeds a day so periods had come back with crazy accompanying hormones).

Anyway. Expected some tenderness, but have a large lump in right breast. I imagine it's just the milk ducts a little blocked. Have no fluey mastitis symtoms (relief - that is horrible!).

I'm going to get it checked out and push for a scan. I'm 34. My fear is that DS stopped feeding because there was an evil growth affecting milk production. There's not much to be done now. Just wanted to air my worry!

OP posts:

RuthChan · 06/07/2011 20:04

Massage the lump to try to release it.
That should help a bit.

Gastonladybird · 06/07/2011 20:06

Prob blocked duct but could be galactaceole. They spotted that on scan with me and treated it by aspirating with needle (in end had to remove it but that was after two years of repeated visits). I know I was very worried but was benign and just mildly annoying as wouldn't go.

Original poster

sisteroutlaw · 06/07/2011 20:32

Thanks for your responses RuthChan and Glastonladybird - that sounds like a bit of an ordeal for you, the galactaceole. Was it a local anaesthetic when they aspirated fluid from it to determine the type of cyst? This page had the best info for benign cysts. After the two years, did you have surgery to remove it?

The whole breast is tender today and the lump itself is painful to touch and a little mobile. Got doc's appointment tomorrow morning so will mention the possibility of galactaceole from the start. It will hopefully disappear before a referral comes through.

OP posts:

Gastonladybird · 07/07/2011 18:19

No local anesthetic to aspirate but to be honest didnt need it as was liking when you prick a blister. As it got bigger my breast/lump did get tender due to pressure so sounds like same.

To be fair the specialist did say it was unusual to need surgery as usually the milk flow dries up so aspirating works. My bump appeared minute my milk came in so I think it was just a quirk. Even the op not too bad as was in and out same day and have only a small scar .

Original poster

sisteroutlaw · 07/07/2011 21:15

Well, pleased it wasn't a nasty op. Even so, the aspiration must have been mighty uncomfortable. I think you're a brave soul!

The doc today thinks it is a galactaceole like yours because of the timing (was lactating) and the fact it's mobile. She asked me to come back in a month if it's still there so she fully expects it to disappear of its own accord. Of course, if it gets bigger or changes then I should go back sooner. I'm not to prod or massage it, she said. And no underwired bras. Bit of a relief x

OP posts:

Blindcavesalamander · 09/07/2011 10:05

Dear OP
I am really sorry to say this and I don't say it lightly as I don't want to scare you without cause, your doctor is probably right, ....but don't just relax, keep an alert eye on it and go back if you are at all worried, or even ask for a second opinion. A good friend of mine had a lump and her toddler wasn't keen to feed on that side. We didn't worry too much as it was mobile and she was breast feeding etc. but I'm afraid it turned out to be serious. She is FINE now but time is of the essence with cancer treatments to avoid it getting into the lymph nodes. I'm really really sorry to say all this but would hate something nasty to go undetected for as long as a month. Yours with very best wishes and I've only just seen this thread so I hope it's not too late for you to see my reply.

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