Ongoing breast pain

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1

Hi there,

I’m in my early 20s and for as long as I remember back to the age of around 15/16 I’ve suffered from breast pain in my right breast. This breast is larger than my left but this is not new and has been like this since puberty. I’ve been to see two separate GPs on a number of occasions with both putting my pain down to chest walk pain/posture/hormones.
I do get pain in my ribs and my shoulder blade area particularly after exercising.
The pain in my breast is almost constant, doesn’t seem to differ with my cycle. It feels like a burning throb and my breast is tender to touch and feels much heavier than the other. It often feels like the pain is coming from near the nipple area - my nipple is a bit dry on my right breast at times but I often put this down to the breast being larger and therefore rubbing closely to my bra.

My GP said just last week when I saw her and she examined me that she can feel no lumps or bumps and my breasts look normal. I suffer from health anxiety and after being to the GP the pain tends to feel lessened but then when I get it into my head again that something is wrong my pain seems to worsen and I end up googling which panics me. I’ve noticed a pinkish area near to my areola which is now also worrying me.

I’ve been waiting for 3 months for a routine referral appointment to come through and I feel the long wait is also causing me anxiety.

Looking for some advice on how to manage the pain or to see if anyone else has similar experience of this?

Thanks

2

Cc123,
I have breast pain and occasionally take pain relief, ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Do you have a date for your appointment yet?
I have other symptoms along with my breast pain- changes to my nipple and a lump.
Hope you get answers soon
X

3

Thanks for your reply! I’m on anti-inflammatory medication but I don’t really feel like it helps much. Still no appointment - in Scotland they have 12 weeks from the referall going through to send you your appointment date according to the receptionist at the GP surgery who I spoke to last week and I’m two days away from the 12 week guideline. I’ve never come across any lumps but my nipple is extremely sensitive.

Thank you! X

4

Have you followed it up with the hospital if you haven’t been offered an appointment yet - think they get fined if they don’t meet the deadlines .

5

I ended up receiving a letter today from the hospital with an appointment for next week. Really nervous about it but it needs to happen.

6

Cc123.
So glad you have a date for your appointment.
I have booked an appointment at a private clinic tomorrow.
X

7

I hope your appointment at the private clinic goes well!

8

Thank you. Will be sure to post how it goes
X

9

Glad to see you have an appointment time. Ask for an ultrasound done and maybe even a mammogram - if only to settle your mind.  Let us know how you go. No one should have to suffer with pain constantly for any reason. And it never hurts to get a second opinion if youre not happy with the first. Hang in there xox

 

10

Hey,
So yesterday at the private clinic it was confirmed that I have breast cancer. I have a 2.5cm mass behind my nipple and a suspicious lymph node. My next step is to get both areas biopsied on the NHS at my original appointment on the 30th if not earlier, then around a week later I will get my treatment plan. The Dr yesterday assured me I am totally treatable. I am feeling pretty positive and ready to beat this.
X

11

Thank you. I don’t know if I’m just getting extremely anxious but think I noticed a lump in my armpit which is adding to my bag of nerves ahead of my appointment. My GPs have consistently not found anything during examinations but I just can’t help but worry.

Happygolucky, I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. good to hear that you will be treatable though! You have such a great attitude and I’m sure that will get you through the times ahead of you and make a full recovery! X