lump or milk???

[wright1212]

So while breastfeeding today I was using the c-hold to get that oh so wonderful latch and suddenly noticed a very hard lump right behind the areola (sp?). After I had him latched on I continued to probe this lump- it seems to be several cm in diameter and very hard. I have never noticed it before.
Now u may think its gotta be backed up milk or something...BUT I had a 4inch cluster of cyst removed from that same breast 6 years ago...
Can a doctor or ultrasound pick up the difference?
If milk how do I get rid of it??

thanks

ps I read on the leleche website 1 woman found a cancerous cyst while breastfeeding!

[Zack_Jenn]

Typically if it is a clogged milk duct it is really painful. You can try to rid a clog by pumping on the clogged side and using a warm cloth on your breast. However with your history I would definitely get it checked by a doctor!

[The Loud]

Here's info on plugged milk ducts:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html
For me, they appear and disappear in a few days. Mine don't start out painful, but they get painful later. I think other types of lumps grow slower. Your doctor should be able to say for sure though.

If you have scar tissue from your earlier surgery, that might make you more prone to getting plugged ducts. Lecithin can help prevent them:
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/lecithin.html

[Jill_at_StorkRadio]

If it doesn't go away, I would definitely check with a doctor.