lump during lactation that's still there after...

[lovebeingamomma]

I got several infections when nursing this time around, the last time I went back after the infection had cleared because I still felt a lump.  They told me lactating breasts are just lumpy.  Now I've weaned, completely dried up (pregnant again too), and the hard lump is still there.  Can anyone give me any insight into this?

[katelove]

Sounds like it may be a galactocele, which is a milk-filled cyst. They usually occur when the milk duct gets clogged with protein debris. It's probably a good idea to get an ultrasound to check and, if that is inconclusive, a fine needle biopsy might be recommended. If it is a galactocele you can either do nothing as it won't do any harm, or have it aspirated or excised. The main reason for having active treatment is if they are interfering with the baby's latch.

I have one in about the 4-5o'clock position under my areola, if it had grown bigger it may have made latching a problem but, so far, it's been fine. If you have another pregnancy and breastfeeding again you may notice a change in size.

[lovebeingamomma]

Thank you.  The reason I didn't think it was a cyst is because It's very hard, doesn't feel like it could be liquid filled.  But who knows...I will have it checked out.  

[katelove]

Mine feels very hard and not fluid-filled too. I can squeeze mine quite hard with no resistance. I guess its because a small space is very full of fluid but I'm not 100% sure.