As LCs who see so many breasts, with so many variations, we need to realize
that we are on the front line here, so to speak.
We may be the only one who pays any attention to what a woman is saying
about changes in her breasts.  I don't want to sound paranoid, but it is
always best to refer to an experienced breast surgeon for an opinion.  I go
 by the "better safe than sorry" theory of referral.  I always encourage
(OK, sometimes I push) the mother to seek answers if she doesn't get them
from the first HCP she comes in contact with. Sincerely, Pat in SNJ

Please review:

JHL 1995, vol. 11, 205-209.  Breast Cancer and Breastfeeding: Five Cases by
Ellen S. Petok

Diagnosing and Managing Breast Disease During Pregnancy and Lactation, by
Carol E. H. Scott-Conner, MD, PhD
Medscape 1997, Vol 2(5)

"An initial thorough breast examination should be part of the first
prenatal visit.  This establishes a baseline for a comparison should
changes be detected later......"following" an abnormal mass in the
expectation that it will disappear is no more appropriate during pregnancy
than at any other time."


Journal of Nurse-Midwifery,1991,  36(1), 74-79.  Delay in Diagnosis of
Breast Cancer: A Professional Liability Risk by Sarah Dillian Cohn, MSN,
JD.

"This article notes the liability claims of failure to diagnose breast
cancer are increasing in number and severity, at least in part because
women understand that early diagnosis improves survival."