TeenHealthFX - Answers - Breast Bumps & Pimples

Cancer / Question
Published: January 16, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Hello I am a 14 year old female and my breasts have bumps that come and go. They are small and there are many. Almost like pimples but they will come and go within a minute or stay for a while. I have no idea what they are and also my chest and breasts are hairy too. Please help....the bumps are a bit strange. Could it be breast cancer?

Signed: Breast Bumps & Pimples - Cancer?

Dear Breast Bumps & Pimples - Cancer?,

TeenHealthFX hears that you are concerned and wants you to try to rest easy. Pimple-like bumps and hair on or around your breasts are totally normal and do not mean that you have cancer.

During puberty the hormones in your body begin to change. This increase will signal the growth of hair in different areas including the groin area, under your arms and sometimes the chest. If you absolutely can't live with it, you can cut it, but this is only a temporary solution. TeenHealthFX does not recommend shaving, waxing, or using depilatories on the area, as the skin around the nipple is very sensitive. If you feel that you have an excessive amount of hair growth on your chest, consult your doctor for some advice. Your doctor may check on some of your hormone levels to get a better idea of why you have hair on your chest.

As we mentioned, the skin in your chest area is typically more sensitive than on other parts of your body. So, you it is not uncommon to notice flare-ups and irritations like the bumps that you are describing. Keeping the area properly cleansed should help out.

Being a teenager is tough because so much is changing in your body and all you want to feel is normal. Although there is no need to worry, it might be a good idea to schedule some time with your doctor to discuss any other questions or concerns that you might have. Your questions about your body and your growth and development are important and your doctor can help you with them.

Signed: TeenHealthFX