I hate to even type it, but the fact is that I have a painful, hard spot or "lump" in my right breast and I need to get it checked. I have had issues before with clogged ducts on that side because my daughter refused to nurse on the right after about 6 months of age. She still nurses once a day (on the left, of course) and it could be something simple like another clogged duct, but it hurts more and feels different that those, so it's best to get it checked.
My question is: What kind of doctor do I call to check it out? My family doctor? My Ob-Gyn? Our local hospital has wonderful lactaction consultants, but I'm not sure this is something to ask them about. I just don't want to call the wrong kind of medical professional, tell them the symptoms, etc., and have them be confused as to why I'm telling them! Who would you call (or who have you called) for this type of issue?
Thanks, ladies! I trust and respect my ob-gyn and was all set to call his office when I started doubting myself. Your answers and shared knowledge and experiences make me feel a lot more confident and I will be calling on Monday morning!
I would go see the ob gyn. Lactation consultants only know about breastfeeding. Doctors are supposed to be able to tell the difference in a clogged duct and something else. The last thing you want to do is miss a professional diagnosis...
Good luck, and get seen!
Dawn
The ob gyn would be my first stop
You can go to your family practice doctor or to an GYN...they will most likely order a mammogram or a sonogram of the lump. When you call either doctor - tell them you have discovered a lump on your breast - it's painful and you want it looked at.
To help alleviate your fears? If you are thinking cancer - most likely not as in about 98% of cases - cancer doesn't hurt - most likely a clogged duct.
yes, ob/gyn. the good news is that mothers who breastfeed reduce their chances of breast cancer by some 70 or more percent!!:) Good job mom and good luck. please keep us posted.
Blessing,
M.
Usually a mammogram is ordered first and then an ultrasound, but since you are still breastfeeding, I would ask them to skip that and go to a ultrasound for safety reasons. Either doctor is not going to do the exam themselves, so they'll need to get you to an ultrasound tech anyway. The OBGYN has more experience.
Good job on the breastfeeding!
I went to my obgyn for the same kind of issue. He too thought he felt something, so off I went to get a mammogram. Nothing abnormal was found. They thought it could have been a clogged duct or some tissue that had hardened up. Nothing serious at all. It is best to get it checked out right away for peace of mind. If it does turn out to be something, it can be taken care of right away. Good luck and God Bless!
HTH,
A.
Your family doctor can set up mamm, ultrasound and if needed an mri. You can go to your gynecologist as well and they will do the same. I say go to the doctor you have your happiest and most comfortable relationship with as this will help you with conversations, questions and get you the best care to resolve the issue.
I would just go to your family practice doc. It more than likely is a clogged duct but have it checked in case. Try some warm compresses and see if that helps. Good luck.
Definately call your Ob-Gyn. They will probably order a mammogram and possibly an ultra sound. I have a fibroademoma and when I discovered it, I was so scared. My doctor orderd a mammogram (no big deal) and I opted for a needle-core biopsy just to solidly confirm the diagnosis. 10 Years later, the fibroadenoma is still there but has never changed. It occasionally gets sore but I've been told that that is a good sign. I have annual mammograms because of my age and history.
i agree with tracy... and if it's something more they will direct to you a specialist!!
I would say to call your OB-GYN...they probably have the most experience with this sort of thing.
