Concerns About Breast Changes and Indentation When Lying Down
At 24 years old and with no existing health problems, I currently have a Mirena IUD for birth control. I also have a nearly two-year-old child, which may or may not be relevant to my situation. During my regular self-examination of my breasts, I noticed something unusual. When I recline on my back, my right breast appears to indent and maintains that indent when I apply pressure. This change is specifically evident in the upper outer section of the breast. Out of curiosity, I checked my left breast, but it did not exhibit the same behavior. This indenting is something I've never observed before. Furthermore, I found that my right breast seems significantly denser compared to the left, though I cannot recall noticing this disparity prior to now. Additionally, I've felt an oval-shaped lump in my right breast. This lump is deep and is only detectable when I lie on my left side, which shifts my right breast slightly, thereby making the area feel tighter. When I lay on my right side, my left breast shows no similar abnormalities. The lump is textured, firm, and can be moved laterally; its shape aligns diagonally through the breast (I attempted to share a photo in the comments but it didn’t go through). I have a scheduled appointment with my primary care physician tomorrow for an unrelated matter, and I intend to discuss these findings as well. I thought it might be helpful to gather some insights here in the meantime. Thank you in advance for any advice or information! P.S. To provide a clearer description of the lump's location, it starts just above my areola and extends diagonally downward toward my side, outside of my areola.
Answers (1)
7/1/2025, 4:01:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're proactive about your health and have scheduled an appointment to discuss your breast changes. Let's break down your concerns and focus on the most critical points and actions you can take.
Main Points:
- Indentation and Density Change: Observing a new indentation and increased density in one breast, particularly accompanied by the presence of a lump, should be taken seriously.
- Scheduled Doctor's Appointment: It's positive that you have an appointment soon, making it an excellent opportunity to discuss these symptoms with your physician.
Explanation:
Breast changes can occur for many reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, especially postpartum when your body is still adjusting after pregnancy. However, any new or unusual findings, particularly changes in shape, density, or the presence of lumps, warrant a thorough evaluation.
Given that you have been breastfeeding for nearly two years, changes can occur in the breast tissue. While some conditions may be benign, others need medical advice for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms: Before your appointment, take some time to write down what you've noticed—the indentation, density differences, and the details about the lump (size, texture, shape). This information will help your doctor understand your situation better.
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Discuss All Findings: During your appointment, describe everything clearly, including when you first noticed these changes and if there are any associated symptoms like pain or discharge. Be sure to point out that this is a recent change and any concerns you have.
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Follow-Up on your Doctor's Advice: Your physician may recommend imaging (like a mammogram or ultrasound) to better understand the lump and indentation. Be open to their recommendations and ask questions if you need clarification on procedures or results.
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Stay Aware of Any Changes: Pay attention to any additional symptoms that may arise in the meantime, such as increased pain, changes in size or shape, or other unusual sensations.
Lastly, it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit anxious about these findings. Remember that early detection and being proactive with your health are key steps in managing your wellbeing. Your appointment is an important step, and you are doing the right thing by addressing this now. Please reach out if you have further questions after your visit.
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