Hard lump in right breast/ armpit area?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It could be anything and it's usually nothing, but you should know that there is a strong link between ovarian and breast cancer. You should be tested for the BRCA gene mutation to help determine your risk for either cancer. Your doctor will tell you this.

No, you shouldn't. You should talk to your doctor about your risk factors and see if you are at all in the risk pool before getting the test. It's massively expensive. BRCA cancers generally occur before menopause, so if the history of ovarian cancer happened post-menopause, it's likely not BRAC related.

Insurance will cover BRCA testing under certain circumstances and her family history of ovarian cancer should qualify. Of course, every policy has its own particular nuances, but ACA does include provisions for BRCA testing. Ovarian and Breast cancer are part of the same mutation, but I can't say if it's only pre menopause. Even if insurance doesn't cover the testing in full, the OP can get an estimate from her carrier on what the test would cost her out of pocket (negotiated rates would likely kick in, so that would be a discount even if insurance is only going to pay a smaller amount).

[Anonymous]

It felt like a lump- smooth and round. I am sorry - it is scary. Try and stay calm. Probably just a cyst! I did not know what a cyst felt like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It could be anything and it's usually nothing, but you should know that there is a strong link between ovarian and breast cancer. You should be tested for the BRCA gene mutation to help determine your risk for either cancer. Your doctor will tell you this.

No, you shouldn't. You should talk to your doctor about your risk factors and see if you are at all in the risk pool before getting the test. It's massively expensive. BRCA cancers generally occur before menopause, so if the history of ovarian cancer happened post-menopause, it's likely not BRAC related.

They were all in their 20's when they had the diagnoses of cancer, so pre-menopause. I don't even know when I will go in to menopause, because I have no one to go by, is mother.

With that kind of family history, your doctor should insist on a screening for the BRCA gene mutations. Your insurance will cover it. I think there are some other genetic tests that will also help indicate your risk for cancer.

Initial PP here and I agree with PP. Talk to your doc.

What does pp mean? I have an appointment on Tuesday to see the doctor. I am still wondering what a cyst might feel like? Is it hard, small, and painless? I am not thinking cancer, because with all of my female family members having hysterectomies in their 20's I don't have anyone to ask. they are all alive and no problems with breast. I have looked online, but found nothing really.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It felt like a lump- smooth and round. I am sorry - it is scary. Try and stay calm. Probably just a cyst! I did not know what a cyst felt like.

OK, thank you! That does sound like what I feel too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It felt like a lump- smooth and round. I am sorry - it is scary. Try and stay calm. Probably just a cyst! I did not know what a cyst felt like.

OK, thank you! That does sound like what I feel too!

Oh wait, let me ask you one more thing. Was it very hard too?

[Anonymous]

Hard enough. Was not squishy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hard enough. Was not squishy

Thank you so much! That is exactly what I feel. I am not worried about it now. I knew there had to be an explanation other than cancer, because I am so young without a family history of breast cancer. It is just that when I asked my Mom and Aunts they did not have any answer, because they have never had any issues with their breast. As well, my friends have not either. The internet was not helpful to me at all. That's when I came here. I used this site when I was going through IVF last year. Sadly, it did not work out for me. Everything happens for a reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hard enough. Was not squishy

Thank you so much! That is exactly what I feel. I am not worried about it now. I knew there had to be an explanation other than cancer, because I am so young without a family history of breast cancer. It is just that when I asked my Mom and Aunts they did not have any answer, because they have never had any issues with their breast. As well, my friends have not either. The internet was not helpful to me at all. That's when I came here. I used this site when I was going through IVF last year. Sadly, it did not work out for me. Everything happens for a reason.

Op, it's probably nothing, but I still hope you get it checked out. It's always better to be safe. Wishing you well!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hard enough. Was not squishy

Thank you so much! That is exactly what I feel. I am not worried about it now. I knew there had to be an explanation other than cancer, because I am so young without a family history of breast cancer. It is just that when I asked my Mom and Aunts they did not have any answer, because they have never had any issues with their breast. As well, my friends have not either. The internet was not helpful to me at all. That's when I came here. I used this site when I was going through IVF last year. Sadly, it did not work out for me. Everything happens for a reason.

Op, it's probably nothing, but I still hope you get it checked out. It's always better to be safe. Wishing you well!

Thank you. I am going to still get it checked. I am just not going to worry about it until/ if I have to.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Today is my appointment and I am so nervou . I have never had to do this before. I am praying that everything is fine.

[Anonymous]

Sending you good thoughts and strength, OP.

[Anonymous]

Hope you're okay, OP!

Please know that only 5-10% of breast cancers are linked to genetics. That means we all run the risk...trust me, as someone with BC and no family history (and negative for BRCA).

I'm sure you will be fine...please keep us updated!

[Anonymous]

Any update OP? Hoping all is well.

[Anonymous]

Good luck OP, give us an update when you can,.
I got BRCA testing this year (covered by my insurance) due to family history of breast and ovarian cancers. Mine was easy and I got good results. Ask your doctor to recommend/prescribe it, that helped me a lot to get insurance to pay. I had to do a phone consult with a genetic specialist to review my family history before they finally approved the test.

[Anonymous]

If this turns out to be a cyst there really isn't a huge reason to be tested for the BRCA gene. Especially without any family history. It doesn't hurt but not really necessary. I've been tested for the BRCA gene but only because my twin had BC and many members of my mom's side had related cancers.