What texture are your breasts, and how do you identify a Lump?

[ThisIsANiceCage]

My breasts seem completely composed of lumps and structures. When young, before discovering decent bras, I used to have a lot of breast pain, but doctors always declared I had No Naughty Lumps.

What do you feel when you test your breasts?

And anyone who has found a Lump, how did you know it was one?

Bumping for you, and out of interest for myself. I feel after my period every month, and daily in the shower (to a lesser extent) but at different times they feel lumpy and uneven. No definite hard lumps though.

Hello - just thought I'd give you this link from breast cancer care which gives a bit of info.

Its important to really get to know what your breasts feel like so you notice any changes. Also you should look in the mirror front and side on, to see how your breasts hang, whether they are symmetrical, what your nipples look like etc. so again you can see any changes. If you feel really at sea with trying work out how to check your breasts, book an appointment with the surgery nurse and she will show you.

It's also important to check all round and under the armpit area, and round your collar bone (in the groove just above) and round the back and front of your neck for any lumps or bumps you haven't always had.

I was DX with breast cancer two and a half years ago, and the first change I noticed was that my right nipple became inverted. I couldn't feel a lump and nether could my GP - because it was deep and under my nipple, so could only be seen on a scan. So don't just look for lumps, look for anything out of the ordinary for you.

And always go to your GP to get checked out if you have any worries or concerns, they will never think you are time wasting. And the earlier problems are detected the greater your chances of recovery, - BC is a very treatable disease these days, - so never put off going to the doc. through fear or embarrassment, its really important to be pro active with your own health. HTH.

Thanks Kurri - I've often seen your really valuable posts when someone has a lump scare. I knew about checking the armpit, but above the collar bone is news to me.

Hope things are going OK for you after your diagnosis (2 years ago, I think you said).

Bollox, learn to read this thread, Cage, not chase off after obscure ones.

Eh? A bit harsh, is it not?!

I have some thickening at the top outer part of my breast - have had it since I was younger. Mine are also quite lumpy. I ask my GP to check them every six months or so as well - she is happy to do this for me.

Sorry, that was me bollocking myself.

So your GP is cool about this? That's encouraging. But do you know what she's actually looking for?

I am not sure what the link shows, but better too that you know how to feel your breasts.

You should not use your finger tips to prod, poke, grab, pinch etc.

You are supposed to lie down and press the breast with your hand flat, using a slight patting or rolling motion. Work from the outer breat in, or the other way round.

If you use your finger tips you will feel all the glandular tissue and milk ducts which can be lumpy.

Kurri- hope you make a full recovery.

Does anyone get lumps that come and go regularly? I have one breast that gets a very painful lump each month, it was checked out and nothing was there.