fao Squad and experienced ladies...

[stonekicker]

i have just been to the breast clinic with my friend for the umpteenth time. the consultant there stated that she has particularly lumpy breasts and will have cysts that may develop and need to be removed in the future. on her behalf, i was just wondering what this could mean for her in the future and how she is expected to know when she needs to have things checked out if she is fairly lumpy. also, her nipples have become dicoloured and are now turning dark brown from the usual pink. what does this mean and does this have any significance clinically? i would appreciate any thoughts and your experiences in order to be a good supportive friend to my mate. mtia x

[Sqad]

Multiple lumps in the breast are common (lumpy breasts) and is called fibroadenosis and these NEVER become cancerous, but may develop cyst into which they may bleed forming what is known as the Bluedomed Cysts of Bloodgood.......fancy name but these NEVER become cancerous.

Nipple colour change is not particularly significant in this case.....Pregnancy or ageing process.

[ethandron]

i have had 15-20 lumps aspirated over the years, all were cysts and contained the most vile coloured liquid, some were bigger than others. i was always told to treat each lump individually and not to assume anything, so every time i found yet another lump it was off to the doctor and hospital again. i had many mamogrammes and ultrasounds, and was told that i would probably be able to tell the difference between a cystic lump and a nasty one just by feel but i really wouldn't know as none of them were nasty. sometimes a cyst would be picked up by the doctor when i couldn't even feel it, there were times when i had 2 or 3 aspirated at the same appointment.
i was told once i was through menopause it would all settle down - and it has!!!!
the thing is to get to know the feel of your own breasts and then you're aware of any changes, even if you do have lumpy breast normally.

[stonekicker]

cheers people! there are definately some things which my friend and i can begin to explore as she is quite worried about the state of her chesticles. she is especially down today as the mammogram has bruised her badly and the cyst is beyond painful due to the poking/prodding she underwent. she'll be doubly impressed when i tell her the nipple thing is down to ageing - she recently had a birthday and was less than impressed about the score...x !