Left Breast sensitivity/discomfort

[lesleyjoy]

Hi, over the last 4 weeks I developed a sensitivity/discomfort/ slight soreness in my left breast which also affects the nipple and areola. It seems to be in the lower area of the left breast. My bra/clothes feel more sensitive against it. I'm 52 and postmenopausal (ie last period 15 months ago) so this is non-cyclic. A mammogram and ultra sound was clear last October and I do monthly self checks. I've been to my Dr and she checked for lumps and didn't find anything unusual, no lymph nodes up etc. There is a patch of lighter pigmentation on the lower areola but my Dr says that's of no medical significance as it's lighter not darker!

Now I'm wondering if this sensitivity could be due to any autoimmune activity and if anyone else has had anything similar or if its just non-cyclic discomfort? I've become quite worried about it so am having an ultrasound at the Breast Clinic Saturday morning.
Early last year I was went to the same Clinic as I had telangiectasia (tiny pink vascular veins) on the same breast which come and go and can be autoimmune related so they know me well. Now I've got to get through one more day of work!

Feeling worried,
Lesley (New Zealand)

[Scottietottie]

Hi Lesley 

Until you know what's going on you're obviously going to be worried because until you know what it is - EVERYTHING goes through your mind.

I'm glad you're going to the breast clinic.  Hopefully you can be seen by someone who is a breast specialist.  I haven't a clue about autoimmune stuff and breasts but I know that any change in a breast has to be properly investigated.

Keep us posted.

Take care - Scottie 

[eyeamdry]

You are definitely doing the right thing in getting it checked out.  Don't let them brush you off if you feel there is more than they think.  I had a lump me and my doc and radiologists "watched" for 2 or 3 years and finally I sais to take it out whatever it is.  It was cancer.  I'm not trying to scare you, but doctors do make mistakes and you know we must look after outselves.  Good luck.  80% of breast lumps are benign.  It could also be autoimmune related.  Lucy

[Dolly Dimples]

 Dear Lucy, I have had sensitivity of the right breast for some years now..

  I could feel a lump, had a mammogram , then a needle biopsy , all clear..

      I have pain in it at times, and also in the armpit..  and sometimes my bra feels tight around the same breast..

       I no longer get concerned about it, and have my 3 yearly mammograms.. just to make sure that nothing has changed.

          However, Lucy you should go and check it out, then you wo't be sitting worrying about it..   
                               Good Luck, Dolly x

[eyeamdry]

Dolly, I did have my lump checked out two years ago and it WAS cancer.  I have since had surgery and radiation and am doing ok.  Any lump should be biopsied, I'm convinced.  They let mine go--and watched it.  Never again will that happen.  My lump was moveable, which does not indicate cancer.  Well, that's not a good point either, because it was.  I'm angry that my doc didn't insist on more agressive measures when he found the lump, instead of brushing it off.  He found it during my annual exam.  Nope, been there done that on the cancer scene.  Lucy

[chrisgirl]

I have had exactly what you described for the past 9 mos.  With everything else going on in my body and no answers, I really blew it off but mentioned it at my yearly gyn appt.  She found nothing, but insisted I go to a general surgeon.  He also felt nothing, but ordered a mamogram, ultrasound, and eventually an MRI.  Thankfully nothing was found and I'll go back in a year just to make sure nothing changed.  I don't feel a lump, just pain.  Can you get an MRI of the breast done?  They told me so much more is seen on an MRI.  Good luck to you!
Christy

[eyeamdry]

Yes you can get MRI of the breasts.  Lucy

[lesleyjoy]

Thanks for your replies   I am always very vigilant when it come to my health but a couple of years ago, I learned about IBC (inflammatory breast cancer) which scared the bejeebies out of me. It is extremely rare and doesn't always present with a lump and is often not detected on an mammogram or even ultrasound. It grows very quickly and is very aggressive. I've briefly mentioned this before I think (many local GP's never heard of it ) so it's good to be aware of it.  As I've got some kind of lighter colour going on in my left areola and sensitivity and occasional shooting pains, I'll be mentioning IBC to her. I feel I've done all I can and I've got onto things quickly. Now I'm hoping for a good outcome. My appointment's at 8:50 tomorrow morning so not long to wait now. I've put in a link about IBC, remember it is extremely rare.

Lesley (NZ)

http://www.ibcresearch.org/home-page/typical-symptoms-of-ibc/

[lesleyjoy]

Hi, just come back from the Breast Clinic, had left mammogram, and ultrasound of both breasts and all is clear and no change in structures from last years results  The breast physician said the lighter patch was part of the normal areola tissue and that she's seen it many times. We had a good talk about my concerns and she was very kind and reassuring. She said that they don't know why some women develop altered sensations/discomfort/pain in only one breast(or even both) but she see's lots of women every day who have this. I can go back anytime if I have more concerns or any new changes take place 

Cheers Lesley (New Zealand)

[Scottietottie]

Hi Lesley 

Well I'm glad they didn't think it was anything untoward and I hope they've been able to allay your fears. It still leaves you in pain though - and I'm sorry about that.  I wonder if its a kind of neuropathy?

Take care - Scottie 

[lesleyjoy]

Hi Scottie, I had wondered whether it was a kind of neuropathy as sometimes the sensations shift or change. I've even noticed a bit of skin sensitivity on the right breast where the edging of my sports bra touches it as I move, a sort of scratchy sensation.The bra is firm fitting as I've got larger breasts. It's not pain as such, more an altered sensation and tenderness with movement and some occasional shooting pains.

My left breast is certainly more sore today after the mammogram, especially on the chest wall at the top and inner side where the plates do the pulling and squashing! It was a different radiographer and I think she was a bit rough considering the breast was sensitive to begin with  I spotted her having a fag when I drove up to the Centre!!! I took some anti-inflammatories last night and today.

Cheers, Lesley (NZ)

[irish]

Lesley, I have had problems with my left breast for at least 40 years. Always would be sensitive, swollen and hurt deep inside plus swell and be sore up into the arm pit. I have had the breast exams pretty much every year since age 40 with the mammogram.

Last year they called me up and had me come in and have an ultra sound. It showed that I had a lymph node that was swollen. I think that this has been going on off and on for years as I could feel a lump on occasion but it would go away. They said they had seen an enlarged lymph node one other year that had been checked more. I didn't remember this but know that I have had this for years and always try to watch it.

I guess I don't worry too much about the cancers as no matter what cancer I would get I would have trouble doing any chemo because of my low t-cells. Probably could do some radiation. Soooo, my life is in God's hands---so be it!!!!Irish

[lesleyjoy]

Hi Irish, thanks for your reply, I do remember you posting something about this but I couldn't find it among the archives  The specialist did an ultrasound on both breasts, so I won't have to have another Mamm/u.s till next year (unless some unforeseen arises). I certainly won't be having a mamm of the left side if it's as sore as it is now, I'll opt for the ultrasound. This is the first time that a mamm has hurt 

Irish, do you have a mamm done on the left breast, if so, isn't it painful afterwards, or do you opt for the ultrasound? I should have taken a painkiller before I had it done. The frontal mamm was OK but the side one was sore  I did read about a new type of mammogram that has pads added to it so will ask about that one next time. There's also a new digital type which will be coming into use sometime in the future, which apparently isn't painful.

Cheers, Lesley (NZ)

[coopwall]

Hi all,
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with these breast sensitivities.  I had fibrocystic lumps come up every month or two between ages 32 (surgical Menopause)  and 50 (when i went off HRT)  .  But i still have and seem to always have had most of my adult life, that soreness and lumpiness described by others here. 

Remember that there are lymph glands nearby which may swell and get sore.  My massage therapist showed me how to massage these when they are sore.  This massage helps to move things along through my system (along with lots of water.) 

However, I'm not suggesting this is all one needs to do about breast problems!  I think that as women with impaired immune systems, we must get any suspicious symptoms checked out.  But beyond that, observing our own bodies, is a powerful tool.


Keep up the good work!

Coopwall

[Dolly Dimples]

  Lesley, so glad you have been checked and all is clear.

  we women will always worry when it comes to breast problems!, but us Sjoggies probably more so ..

  I hope all the discomfort goes soon,and that you can settle down again.. 

        My own problem comes and goes ,as with many of the ss symptoms..

             Keep vigilant!   Cheers Dolly.