Lumpy Breasts; Help!!

3.Lumpy Breasts; Help!!
Dear Dr,
I think my problem is peculiar-- I have lumps in my breasts that are there even when I'm not in my menstrual cycle. They're really big... kind of. And they're disturbing me. What should I do?
Worried
Dear Worried,
I must commend the fact that you know your body well enough to say categorically that he lumps are there all the time—menses or no menses. That’s a simple benefit of a woman doing regular breast self-exams. She not only gets to know her "normal" body well, but she also becomes as familiar as to be able to identify and document any change(s). Since you've noticed something that concerns you, this is the right time to see your doctor/gynecologist to have your breasts examined. The doctor will want to know, among other things, the date of your last period when you first noticed the lump(s) ; whether the lump has grown larger or smaller since you first discovered it ; whether you notice a change in the number of lumps you can feel ; whether you or your family have a history of breast problems ; whether you've noticed any nipple discharge ; whether you're on any medication .
There are basically a number of types of breast when we talk consistency—some ladies have quite lumpy breasts; others are smoother. It’s normal for some women's breasts to have an uneven consistency. The time of life when we consider a woman’s breast matters – whether at menopause when she has ended fertility or during pregnancy or at puberty when she is just beginning or during her menses. Most breast lumps are definitely not cancerous—they are usually harmless stuff we call cysts or fibro adenoma or fibrous tissue.
But because distinct and/or new lumps or growths in or on the breast can be physically uncomfortable and/or psychologically upsetting, even frightening and also because women often associate breast lumps with cancer, it's most important to check with the doctor/gynecologist. The doctor will likely order a special Xray for breasts called Mammogram to help him better determine the dangerous or cancer potentials of any suspicious lumps. However, all of us – relatives, the woman herself and her doctor must at the same time remember that the majority of breast growths turn out to be benign (non-cancerous).
Monthly breast self-exams are essential to keep breasts healthy, and noticing new growths or lumps is a good reason to schedule an appointment with a health care provider. While your Blackberry and easy internet access can be a good source of general information about breast health, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health, nobody is able to get specific answers or advice about their health or breasts without seeing a health care provider. If you are in any form of fear or doubt, just call the help lines and we’ll be most pleased to answer your queries. Please schedule an appointment with your doctor/gynecologist now to get o know for sure the cause and any potential effects of the lumps in your breasts.
Cheers
Dr. Caleb Bibbi Oluranti