after sharing momma b’s story, I decided to follow-up by providing some info on the first steps to take should you find a lump in your breast. cancer is frightening, that we know, but it’s key to be aware of your available options – so here’s some suggestions on the first steps to take if you find a lump:
First, breathe….
finding a lump or bump doesn’t always means its cancer. there’s a big chance it’s benign, but you HAVE to be sure.
the 1st step involves taking a closer look:
On the left, a normal digital mammogram; a normal mammogram from traditional X-ray film is on the right. (Magee-Women’s Hospital of UPMC)
- Mammograms involve having breasts x-rayed after being squeezed between two plates. by ‘plates’, I’m referring to hospital-grade not dinner (that’s a whole other post that you won’t find on this blog.. or will you… hmm). it’s not pleasant but there are worse things one could do. the mammographer will take pictures of breasts from different angles since obtaining a clear view of the mass isn’t always easy. oftentimes, this is only the first step in your boob ‘photo shoot’.
- Ultrasounds are far less painless than mams; a high-frequency sound wave test is used for those with dense breast tissue and/or to further review an unclear mammogram. The technician squirts a standard ultrasound gel on your breast before running a wand-like device over the area where the lump is located. results are made available within a few days, maybe sooner.
