Hi i’m new and would like some advice. Around April my left breast started to ache which I put down to hormonal changes. By June it was visibly larger than the other one and the pain was pretty much constant. I went to my doctor and she referred me to the breast clinic.
I had a mammogram and ultrasound and was told quite abruptly that I had a large amount of hormonal tissue in that breast and to take evening primrose oil for 3 months.
There has been no change and I have today noticed that when I put my arms in the air there is a noticeable change in shape. Where my other breast hangs neatly the profile of my left breast bulges under my arm.
I have always been of excelent health but last September fell over and snapped my leg requiring surgery and last month got a cold that led to a chest infection, tonsilitis and then pneumonia. I can’t help thinking that my general decline in health could be linked to my swollen breast.
I felt relieved that the mammogram did not identify anything but am worried that it is something more sinister which is undetected. I had blood tests last months which showed I had some sort of inflamation but they put this down to the pneumonia.
It’s difficult isn’t it as you’ve had a mammogram and ultra sound. I dont want to worry you unessecarily but I had a pain in my breast for a long time which came and went. I put it down to hormonal changes and i’d been told some years ago that i had ‘lumpy breasts’ It was when my breast changed shape when I raised my arms that I went to my doctor and was referred to a rapid breast cancer diagnostic clinic and yes I Had/ have breast cancer. I’m in the middle of treatment now.
Perhaps you should go back to the gp and say you need another ultrasound. It’s probably not bc but perhaps you can get something more effective than evening primrose oil for whatever it is!
Like Impatiens, I don’t want to worry you, but mine didn’t show on two mammos and ultra sounds. I didn’t have any swelling tho, just a lump. Because it didn’t show, it took docs a year to diagnose and then only because my doc insisted in re-referring me to breast clinic.
If you feel there is something abnormal and are worried, ask about having an MRI scan to find out what is causing the swelling and discomfort. Sometimes you have to really assert yourself - take someone with you for support.
I think the fact that you’ve found this forum and written on it means that you’re worried - and it’s horrible having worries hanging over you - so if I were you I would definitely go back as something’s up - but chances are it will be benign.
Obviously us ladies on the forum have had cancer diagnoses - but please remember that the majority of people who found lumps and bumps and breast changes will not be on the forum as they will have turned out to be nothing sinister - so please don’t panic from our stories - just use them to reinforce that it’s important to get yourself checked out as IF there is something there you want to get it sorted sooner rather than later. Remember that about 85% of lumps, bumps etc are benign. So not panic stations - but sensible to put the end to your worrying. And if it’s not cancer - which it’s probably not - you want to get it sorted anyway if it’s uncomfortable and changing shape.
My symptoms were pain and swelling that showed up really quickly. I had 3 ultrasounds over the course of a month, but no mammogram as I’m 33 and my breast tissue was too dense. Each radiographer said there was nothing there and I was fine. I was sent away with different antibiotics to try out. They didn’t work and in the end I insisted on a biopsy as I have a strong family history of breast cancer (afraid I had to resort to tear tactics to persuade them to do a biopsy! Genuine tears though). Turned out I had 3 different areas of concern - the biggest being about 9cm! But they only showed up on an MRI scan.
Pauline was obviously posting at the same time as me.
We probably have panicked you now!! But please remember most changes aren’t cancer but it’s worth asserting yourself to get it checked and get it sorted whatever it is.
I’d go to the GP tomorrow if you can. Not that there’s a huge rush, but just to put your mind at ease.
I dont think all the advice above should panic you. It should just strengthen your resolve to put your foot down and ask for more tests. your health will decline if you are constantly worried that there is something going on that has been missed. Much better to have a needless test that proves to you that everything is ok.
you know so many breast problems are picked up because women know their own breasts rather than by mammograms and doctors are learning to listen.
but just because there is something to be found does not mean that it is cancer. Or even if it is does not mean it has got to a serious stage. so many early cancers can be treated with non invasive techniques.
I think you might benefit from a talk to the helpline who can help you with your rights for a second opinion and give you some buzz words to get you through the referral maze.
Just cos it might not be cancer does not mean it should not be cured. An enlarged painful breast needs sorting
hello linbin, you know your own body … and if your concerned… as obviously you are , go back … ask for further tests… your not being a nuisance… it could quite well be nothing… and we all hope its nothing…but go back … then you will have piece of mind … … angie xx
I’m new to this forum but I have similar symptoms to you. About a year and a half ago, my left breast started to feel painful and swollen. This was worse around the time of my period, but didn’t go away at any point.
After six months of putting it down to hormones, I went to see my GP. He said that he thought he could feel a small lump in the top part of my breast (not where the pain was), so referred me to the breast clinic. I had an ultrasound, followed by an appointment in which the breast specialist checked for lumps, found nothing, and recommended that I take evening primrose oil, wear a well-fitting bra, and avoid drinking too much alcohol and coffee.
As a non-coffee drinker, who has maybe one glass of wine a week, I was overjoyed that a natural remedy with no ill side-effects was all that I needed to change to deal with the pain.
About three months ago, my breast pain started worsening and I noticed that the left breast had suddenly grown much larger than my right. I can also feel a very small lump on the left side of the breast, where the pain is.
I have been putting off going to the see the doctor again for fear that I will be wasting their time again, especially as I am only 25 and therefore not in a high risk age group for breast cancer, but since reading the experiences of people on this forum and finding out about inflammatory breast cancer and lobular breast cancer, I’m increasingly worried and have booked an appointment.
I think that part of the problem is that although I received advice from a breast specialist, I was never told what the cause of my breast pain was, so my mind was never put at ease. Now, I’m terrified, having trouble sleeping, etc. I know that worrying about it doesn’t solve anything, but I just want an answer - whilst at the same time being scared of what the answer will be.
Please let me know how you get on and if you receive any further news.
Hi, firstly thank you for all your posts and advice.
Well as usual my own doctor, the one who originally referred me to the breast clinic was not available so I saw her understudy on Tuesday. She was very nice and listened to my history and the fact that I went to the breast clinic in June and they did tests but found nothing. She asked to examine me while explaining that she worked briefly at a breast clinic in London so knew her stuff.
She had me put my arm on her shoulder and felt all round by pressing flat against my breast and then did the same for the other. I told her the pain is in the lower part of my breast which has always been very lumpy but she didn’t seem to feel around that part much at all. She also checked my nipple for discharge. I explained that my breast had grown, a lot in my eyes, and I felt that it hung differently than it had before when I raised my arm.
She explained that no two breasts are symetrical and they looked pretty good to her, she also could not feel any lumps. In summary she didn’t see a problem and would not refer me back to the breast clinic as they wouldn’t do any further tests so soon after my last appointment.
I think doctors must take exams in not giving a straight answer because try as I might I could not get her to explain why my left breast had changed shape, yes it’s subtle but I can tell. Is it an age thing? (I am 37). Guidlines are to report any breast changes to your doctor so I asked her at what point should I worry about the change in shape and growth. She then went on to explain that I know my breasts best so I was the best judge. I then told her quite frankly that I have had my breast for over 20 years, breast fed two kids and know them very well and they did not feel right to me. She just side stepped the question. She checked the report back from the clinic that said I had a lot of dense hormonal breast tissue (seen by reading over her shoulder) and should take evening primrose oil. When I explained that my left breast is so saw I can’t hug my kids too tight she said take paracetamol, and with that I was dismissed.
I have tried to block it out for the last couple of days and enjoy my little girls first week at school but the worry is still there. I think reading your posts has kicked me back into reality and I intend to make an appointment to see my own doctor when she is back from holiday.
I can’t help thinking that my recent spate of ill health has something to do with this. In Sept 2010 I twisted my ankle simply walking on gravel and broke my tib/fib resulting in my having a metal plate and 12 weeks on crutches. Something my GP found very worrying and made me get a bone density test which thankfully came back o.k. Painful breast since April. Pneumonia and tonsilitis this summer.
Thanks again for your help and support I will keep ypu posted.
Its sounds like you are having a pretty tough time. May a suggest you give the BCC helpline a call and talk things through with one of our trained members of staff. Here you can share your concerns with someone who will offer you a listening ear as well as emotional support and practical infromation. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 9 to 2pm.
yes I think the thing now is to ring the help line and ask what the next step is. I think you are right to pursue this because you are so worried about it. I am sorry the doctors have not satisfied you, it is one of the problems of being so young. Perhaps she felt that she could not contradict her collegue.
Whatever is wrong with your breast is happening slowly so although it is frustrating not to get an answer the delay does not mean things will rapidly get worse, but a painful breast that does not feel normal to you need an explanation–not paracetamol.