It is important to learn how to do a breast exam on yourself regularly (usually after your periods). Upkeep this practice even while you are pregnant. Statistics show that 9 out of 10 breast lumps are discovered through self-examination. Your doctor will conduct a check during intervals when you go for your annual pap-smear. If you have regular pap-smears, are fastidious in your self-examinations, you will probably stay lump free before you begin pregnancy. It may difficult to feel a lump during pregnancy and nursing because of the enlarged breasts hiding them. Nevertheless examine your breasts every 4-5 weeks, the first day of every month. Besides the routine test by you and your doctor, there is mammogram, an X-ray examination and ultrasound examination of the breast to consider. If there is a lump, these tests become necessary to perform.




Mammogram involves X-ray and during pregnancy it is necessary to shield the abdomen with a lead apron. It is not conclusive to suggest that pregnancy worsens the lump but pregnancy does affect the detection and location because of the change in size of the breast. Once the lump is traced, it can be drained or aspirated. This fluid is sent for lab-testing to check for abnormal cells. If the draining by a needle is not possible, a biopsy may be necessary. A clear fluid is a good sign; bloody fluid will require further evaluation. If the lump is found cancerous, treatment will begin without further delay, pregnant or not. Treatment can be complicating what with the effects of chemotherapy, radiation, anesthesia or pain medication administered during biopsy. In the presence of cancerous cells both factors have to be considered: the need for treatment involving chemotherapy and radiation therapy and the needs of pregnancy.