breast lump while breastfeeding

I am a 36 year old mother of two kids. Am currently nursing my 14 month old - only from the right breast, though. I stopped offering the left breast around 7 months back since the milk supply had always been low on that side (possibly because I had undergone surgical draining of an abscess in this breast after I had my first baby) and also for reasons of convenience during night feeds.


Last month I discovered a lump, which was tender to touch, in my LEFT breast. I quickly consulted a gynaec in HKG who put me on a dose of antibiotics to clear up infection, if any (although neither she nor I felt it was an infection). In case the lump persisted, I was supposed to go in for a mammogram.


Well, I did take the antibiotics and the pain/discomfort subsided but the lump is still there though it feels a little less prominent now. I went in for an ultrasound (in mainland China); the techinician opined that it was nothing but a dilated duct. This has since been confirmed by a radiologist in the US who examined the images of the scan.



A few questions:


1. any nursing moms out there who have had lumps/dilated ducts (not related to blocked ducts) pop up while nursing?


2. has anyone had a mammogram taken while nursing?


3. Can anyone recommend a radiologist (in private practice) who is familiar with breast imaging?


Many thanks

If you are prone to blocked ducts, try taking lecithin every day. Dr Jack Newman has a good protocol for it.


Good luck and hope you'll be fine. Most women are.

All breast lumps need to be treated with consideration and followed up whether they are in a lactating or non lactating breast.

It would be a prudent decision to return and see your Hong kong based Gynaecologist and have the lump in your breast rexamined .

Ultrasound and Mammography combined give us a clearer picture of what is happening inside the breast and of the nature of lump .



You can have a mammogram while breast feeding without the need to cease lactating .

It is suggested that immediately before having the mamogram you breast feed your baby to empty the breasts of milk and make the xray more clearer and comfortable for you .

Usually after the mammogram an ultrasound is then performed to complete the picture .

There are many excellent radiologists in Hong kong and I am sure that your Gynaecologist will be able to refer you to one .


Breast Feeding Clinic - 2849 1500

Matilda International Hospital

Hong Kong

http://www.matilda.org