Dear Lactnetters,

I am slowly weaning my third breastfed child, who is now four years old, and
over the last few months I've noticed a tender left breast mass lateral to
the nipple. I took antibiotics for seven days which seemed to help
temporarily. The tenderness seems to increase around menstrual periods.

My gynecologist feels  a mobile lump and has ordered a mammogram for this
Friday.  She will consider ultrasound and/ or aspiration after the mammogram.


My concerns are : 1. How conclusive is a mammogram in my situation and should
I find a specialist familiar with the lactating breast to read it?  2. Could
this be a galactocele, abcess, cyst or fibroadenoma, and how are these best
diagnosed?

I am interested in hearing from anyone who has experience with a situation
like this. Thanks!!

Karen Forsthoff BA IBCLC
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