Are breast lumps common in young females?

Breast lumps are quite common in young females. The lump is essentially a growth of tissue that develops in the breast tissues. Some women refer to a breast lump as a swelling, fullness, thickening or a mass. Most women first identify a breast lump  accidentally. Sometimes the mass may be discovered by a prudent physician who performs a physical exam. In the majority of cases, breast lumps generally do not have symptoms. However, in rare cases the breast lump can present as redness around the nipples, dimpling or tethering of skin, unequal breast size, nipple inversion or a bloody nipple discharge. In a few rare cases, the lump on breast may present with a skin rash or dermatitis. It is very rare for a female to complain of a painful lump in breast.

Findings of a breast lump does not always mean that one has a cancer. There are many causes of breast lumps in young women. However, breast lumps in postmenopausal women should always be of concern.

I am a 29 year old female and have been told I have fibrocystic disease of the breast. Is there any thing I can do to make it go away?

Fibrocystic disease is also common in many women in between the 3-4 decade of life. The breast usually feels lumpy and uneven. Physicians often refer to fibrocystic disease as glandular disease. Fibrocystic disease is found in more 50% of women at some point in their lives. Today, it is believed that fibrocystic disease is not a disease at all, just a variation of normal growth.  Women who have fibrocystic disease do complain of pain or discomfort in the breast. However, the disorder is not life threatening and disappears after menopause. Simple homemade measures like wearing a support bra and avoiding caffeine beverages is all that is required.

My doctor says I have a breast cyst. I am 32; Can you tell me what I should do next?

Breast cysts are fluid filled sacs in one or both breasts. The cysts are round and have distinct margins. When examining the breasts, the cyst will feel like a grape. Very rarely will a breast cyst will feel firm. Breast cysts tend to be more common in women in the ¾ decade of life but may present earlier. In most cases, breast cysts disappear after menopause. Breast cysts generally do not require treatment unless they are large, causing pain or the female just wants it removed. In most cases, surgery is not required but the cyst can be drained with a needle in the office. Unfortunately, breast cysts do come back but they are not life threatening nor are they cancerous.

Does breast feeding cause sagging of the breasts?

One common reason why many women are afraid to breast feed is because they believe that their breast will become saggy. This myth of gigantic proportions has been perpetuated over the centuries chiefly because of ignorance. Sure breasts can become saggy but this is not due to breast-feeding. 


A lot of recent data shows that breast feedings does not affect the size, shape or volume of the breast. During all pregnancies, breasts are engorged and appear bigger. The ligaments that support the breasts also are stretched and often after delivery, the ligaments lose their elasticity and the breasts sag- so breast-feeding is not the reason for sagging. Unfortunately, breast sagginess does tend to increase with each successive pregnancy, and this is especially true in women who already have large breasts.  To day, there is no medical treatment for saggy breast except cosmetic surgery

I am 25 year old and have developed very itchy nipples. Should i apply something on them?

In young people, itchy nipples are nothing to worry about. 

The itching may be due to tight clothes or your nipple rubbing against your bra or under shirt. This can happen if you exercise without a bra. However, chronic itching can also be a sign of eczema. 

If the itching is bothersome, obtain hydrocortisone cream over the counter and apply it 3-4 times day. If this problem persists after application of hydrocortisone, it is wise to see your doctor. Another common cause of itching around the nipples is a fungal infection, which can also be easily treated with an anti fungal cream. 

If the itch is limited only to your nipples, perhaps a change of fabric or bra may be warranted

Can you tell me why my nipples are erect all the time?

In most cases, nipple erection is associated with sexual arousal but in some women, nipples may remain erect without any sexual stimulation. why this happens is not well known. 

Sometimes, nipples can be erect when they are excessively irritated like when you start to pluck hairs or wear tight clothing. Some women love to show of their erect nipples but for those who are shy, then there are a variety of padded bras which can be worn. 

If you constantly plucking your hair around the nipples, stop the habit and see what happens. If it is the clothes that cause erection of your nipples, start to wear a bra, change the fabric or wear loose clothing. 

In any case, erect nipples are treated conservatively and there is ZERO need for surgery- unless you love pain.

My son is 14 and has breast enlargement (gynecomastia). The doctor says he needs some type of surgery.

The first thing you need to do is dump your doctor. Physiological gynecomastia or breast enlargement in young boys is very common. The majority of causes of breast enlargement in teens and adolescents need no treatment. The only reason to have surgery is embarrassment or poor cosmesis. Other than this reason, physiological gynecomastia can be observed- most cases resolve in a few years. 

Breasts can be shrunk with medications but these have severe side effects and should never be used in young adults.

If your son has only mild gynecomastia, simple observation is the best advice. For moderate gynecomastia, the ideal procedure is needle liposuction. Do not go to a surgeon who wants to perform any type of mastectomy, because this is not the standard of care today. Needle Liposuction, of course, will also cost you a lot of money.

If your son has no problems with his appearance, then the best suggestion is keep away from surgeons. Even though there are great plastic surgeons, mistakes often happen which sometimes are permanent and disabling.