Last updated on October 20, 2020
Question:
What do your breasts feel like as they are developing? I can feel lumps past my nipple and a hard disk shape with a hollow center at the nipple. When I look in the mirror I can just start to see the bottom of the breast, but from the side, I am not sticking out very much at all.
Answer:
It takes several years for your breasts to reach their full adult shape (see the Tanner stages for more information). What you are feeling at the moment is the development of the milk glands. Because they are not fatty, like most of your breasts, they can be felt. Cancer should not be a concern at this stage in your life. Instead, you should become familiar with the structure and feel of your breasts so that later in life (in your twenties, thirties, and beyond) if you notice a change you will be able to alert a doctor to that change. To estimate what stage of development you are in, see the Tanner Stage Calculator for Girls.
During your growth, it is common for temporary lumps to form as the various breast structures take shape. These will come, then eventually fade, and should not be a concern.