I had breast reduction surgery 44 years ago. I had numb nipples for many years and numb patches around my back too I’m guessing from nerve damage. Otherwise I’ve always been quite happy with the results.
About two years ago my dog caught my right nipple with her claw and I started to get some pain in that area. No mark at all just some pain. I went to see my GP and after examination she gave me the all-clear saying it was obviously some nerve damage and prescribed numbing cream, which only helped slightly. The pain did fade away after a few weeks and would appear again now and then but only briefly.
I’ve recently been through some stress and illness and the same pain has reappeared.
I’m very worried about it now but am trying to rationalise that after two years it can’t be anything too serious. Can it?
I wonder if it can be related to my surgery. Can nerves suddenly flare up after all those years.
Or is it damage done by the dog’s claw? But that too was nearly two years ago.
At my age (68) can I still be having menopausal/hormonal issues to cause breast pain?
Can all my stress/anxiety and illness cause nerve damage to flair up?
Could this actually be a sign of breast cancer?
Hello becks3,
This can be a worrying time, when your feeling pain after any breast surgery, was wondering if you could asked your GP to refer you for a scan, hopefully you will get the all clear, to put your mind at rest, I’m wondering if this could be a cyst (I’m not medically trained to give advice) however had a similar situation myself.
Wishing you well, with happiness ahead.
Hugs Tili 
Hi becks3
Thanks for posting
It sounds as though the symptoms you’ve been experiencing around your right nipple are unpleasant and it’s understandable that this is causing you some stress and anxiety.
Breast changes, including pain, can happen for many reasons such as injury, hormonal changes or due to benign conditions (not cancer).
For more information see our booklet Know your breasts: a guide to breast awareness and screening.
Our Touch, Look and Check(TLC) messaging may also be helpful in checking for anything new or different.
We can’t say what is causing the pain around your nipple but as it’s something which has reappeared, as @Tili says, we would suggest you make an appointment with your GP to have this properly assessed.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Julie
Breast Care Nurse
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