Breast Lumps, Please Help!

[Guest LunaMoth]

Hi all, this is my first official post here, and I've come to get some help from the "experts". I am 28. I have been on the 'mones for two years now (both estradiol and medroxyprogesterone) and only recently did I really start doing breast self-examinations. A little over a month ago I noticed a lump in my right breast, slightly above the areola. It is round, hard, and about the size of a pencil eraser; it seems to be 2 dimensional, like it is attached to tissue at the back. It has persisted all this time. Also, the girls seem really dense behind the nipples/areolas, not like breast buds though, a larger area and not flat, more conical. I am finally going to be able to get back into my Endo on April 6th (he had hip replacement a while ago and this is the earliest I could see him). Anyways, I am wondering if anyone else has ever experienced any of what I've mentioned, and especially if you have ever had any sort of lump. What should I expect as far as testing goes, and what REALLY is our risk for breast cancer? I have heard all kinds of conflicting information on this topic, and almost none is trans-related anyway. Well, thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

[Guest Anna_Banana]

Hello Luna,

Welcome to Laura's Playground! I hope you can make yourself at home here. Please put a post in the Introductions Forum so that the whole welcome wagon will stop by.

I can't answer your question. Perhaps someone here has direct knowledge, but going to your doctor is the best thing. But don't worry too much. Often there is a simple answer to a scary question.

Hip replacement at 28 years old? I thought that was only for us old folks! I hope that's getting better now - do take care of yourself!

Love, Kat

I think you misread Kathleen. Her endocrinologist had the hip replacement.

As for your concern, I would consult any doctor (doesn't necessarily have to be your endo) right away. I haven't heard breast lumps occurring naturally as a result of HRT and I would be concerned.

.Anna

[Guest LunaMoth]

Hi there, Kathleen!

Thanks for responding, and I promise I will get to the introduction part soon, I was just so worried that I needed to get this off my chest, so to speak!

And I have to clarify, it was my Endocrinologist who had the hip replacement, not I (at least not yet)!

I'm surprised no one has replied with anything similar at this point, am I the only one with this sort of thing going on? That's actually making me worry more...

[Guest LunaMoth]

Thanks soo much for your input Anna, and for putting the emphasis on getting checked, this is scaring me to no end, I have heard stories of HRT causing breast cancer and don't want to be part of that statistic at all. I think I am gooing to have to wait to see my Endo though, it has been too long anyway, due to him being on medical leave.

But, is there any sort of general lumpiness that is normal for breast tissue? Reading stuff about this, I've come across sites stating that there is, due to the ducts and lobules under the skin, and that the breast has different textures in different areas.

Also, I wonder if anyone has come down with fibrocystic breasts, or general cysts, like any other woman woulld be susceptible to (especially with the estrogen influence the rapid cell growth)

And, lastly, does anyone know any transwoman on this site or elsewhere who has come down with breast cancer? Talking personally about this would help ease my mind.

[Guest Michele H]

I assume you have a GP as well, I would start there You may have to have a mamogram. My GP found a lump and sent me for a mamo and then they did an ultra sound but were not able to resolve so I had to wait 6 months and do it again. I was given the all clear but do have to do yearly mamograms. It is very scary, the worst is the not knowing so get in to see someone ASAP. The mamogram is uncomfortable but not invasive so don't worry about the test. Not all lumps are cancerous or even pre-cancerous - it may just be a fibroid mass.

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Luna,

The statisitcal probability of those undergoing HRT developing breast cancer between natal women developing breast cancer is 0%.

There is no more probability that you would develop breast cancer than any natal woman would.

If there is any question as to your health, then you must seek professional medical advice from a qualified physician.

No one here at Laura's is qualified to answer your question.

Brenda

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Well - see a physician. We cannot know what is going on as we are not qualified. What comes to mind is my wife, who tends to be fibrocystic - I go with her twice a year because she is monitored so closely. She has benign cysts and some ridge architrcture in her breasts - and has had a biopsy, which proved negtive. The point is some people have to monitor their breast health more closely than others.

In breast development, all sotsa things happen - so dont be too concerned - but DO get checked.

No - I have not heard of a transwoman who developed breast cancer because of HRT, However our risk later, is the same as any natal woman.

Lizzy

[Guest angie]

Don't be surprise when you are sent for a mammogram,

we all have to get used to them,and doing self check breast

exams regularly. Since you have a concern just tell your doc,

they will know hat to do. In the mean time,try to relax,I have

had a few scares in my transition,and may have a few more for all I know.(smile)

Hugs,

Angie

[Sally]

Actually in a very bad book years ago very much against accepting transsexuals they were very happy to report that one post operative woman had died from breast cancer, saying, "I guess she got her wish - she died as a female would."

The rest of the book was about as sensitive.

Have it checked out and be sure.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Wry]

Actually in a very bad book years ago very much against accepting transsexuals they were very happy to report that one post operative woman had died from breast cancer, saying, "I guess she got her wish - she died as a female would."

The rest of the book was about as sensitive.

Have it checked out and be sure.

Love ya,

Sally

By any chance do you remember the name of the book? I like being angry, so I think that'd be a nice read.

[Guest swee'pea]

Hi Luna,

<<hug>>

I'm sorrry that your having this problem.

I think most here have said it already.

It is Mammogram time, go see your Dr.

In many places Mammogram's are free to women.

Good luck , I hope it is just breast growth.

vanna

[Guest Donna Jean]

Luna, Sweetheart.......

It's a twist of fate how it works out for us MTF.

Once upon a time our prostate was checked on our regular doctor visits...

Now we really don't have to worry about that anymore on HRT, but we must have our breasts checked on a regular basis....

I can't add more, Hon...

Tell your doc....OK?

LOVE & HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest LunaMoth]

Wow, I am soo pleased with the response I've gotten at this point, you all are THE BEST! I know I put the word "experts" in quotations in my original post, only because I know no one here is really qualified to give me any medical advice, BUT I also know that most here have been down this same winding path, long before I ever started my own journey, and I totally value and respect yer alls' opinions to the fullest! (please excuse my 'billy-bonics!)

I do have to say that I believe taking these hormones (no matter how magical they are at times) increases the risk for breast cancers and other issues, and it was definitely mentioned to me by my Endo 2 years ago when I started.

Today, I actually convinced my mother to feel around for me, and the response I got was pretty scary. She was like "oh, they feel hard as rocks and like they have gravel in them." She is an LPN and conducts all the monthly breast exams for the mentally handicapped women she cares for in her group homes, so when she also said "I've never felt anything like that" it shook me to the core! She also noted the one spot that really stood out as abnormal to myself. Needless to say, it does sound good at this point, and I might be the first board member to come down with the big C, who knows. I am contacting our local health department tomorrow to see if I can get some assistance right away!

It would be so devastating if this were true, I have always dreamed of finally being a woman and having the right body and to think that this could happen so early in my transition and in my new life, it makes me wonder if maybe something is telling me that I made one huge mistake, and will have to pay for it now! Please pray for me, as I need as much positive energy as I can get! I will definitely keep y'all up to date on this as it unfolds, much love to you and yours!

[Guest Charlene_Leona]

Luna I have read that we are at a 60% higher risk of developing breast cancer because of our higher than normal estrogen use and it is estrogen that drives breast cancer in genetic Women. I had my first Mammogram this last year and I'm 3 1/2 years on HRT. I'm telling you to get to a doctor and have that lump examined, the longer you wait the worse it can be. Remember men also get breast cancer Goggle Peter Criss and breast cancer and you'll see what I mean. All of us should have a yearly mammogram because of the seriousness of breast cancer it's nothing to play around with.

Take Care

charlene Leona

[Guest LunaMoth]

Another thing to add........

I'm wondering if I shouldn't have been taking the medroxyprogesterone all this time, I have read stuff saying that it is the combination of the two that really raises the risk.

What are yer alls' general thoughts on the combination HRT, do you think it is a good or bad idea?

Charlene....a 60% increase sounds pretty grim to me!

[Guest ~Brenda~]

I think it is time to post some links from the authorities on this subject.

http://www.glbthealth.org/documents/FactSh...Individuals.pdf

http://transhealth.vch.ca/resources/librar...ical-cancer.pdf

Brenda

[Guest Charlene_Leona]

From what both of those stated we are at a higher risk of cancer's than non-trans people's. While I do agree that 60% is a high number I did say in the post that the numbers are"from what I've read" This information has been gleamed from a number of Transsexual web-sites. I am just repeating information that I've encountered on the web. The article's you posted Brenda do point at the fact that because of use of hormones we can and do have an increased risk of cancer.

There are recommendations for undergoing cancer screenings for those cancer's we are likely to develop. I personally recommend getting all screenings myself but I am cancer paranoid due to having 3 of my grandparents taken from me by cancer.

Take Care of Yourself

Charlene Leona