Early 20s and Very Scared

Musical105

Hello everyone! I have been reading these forums for a very long time, so I thought this would be the best place to go first. I am 22 and am fairly healthy. I have recently (since about May) been having pain in my right breast & thought I felt a lump. I went to my doctor, she said she wasn't very concerned about it, but scheduled an ultrasound for me. The ultrasound was negative. She said she was satisfied with the results, and that I should come back in December for a follow-up appointment. I was still having pain, went back, but had to see a different doctor who was very straightforward with me (which I appreciated) and said she agreed with my regular doctor's reccomendation. I was pretty satisfied with the answer until recently. I am still having breast pain, which I am discovering may be related to my diet. However, I noticed something unusual with my right nipple. I have always had flat nipples, but the one on the right has a little bit of a "dent". I'm not sure that it goes in enough to call it 'inverted' and it's only noticable when my nipple is erect. The other one is somewhat similar, but is not noticable unless you are really looking. I am concerned about IBC specifically, but am curious as to what actually constitues an "inverted nipple". I have been searching the Internet to find out & nothing has been very helpful. I'm hoping someone on here can help. Thank you all in advance. I admire all of you very much.

Annabella58

Sweetheart, you are right to look into this.  That said, an inverted nipple is something that you should actually see a breast surgeon about.  Don't worry, the chances of something being cancer at  your young age are extremely slim.  Also, they cannot really do a mammogram on you, as young breast are very dense.

However, a breast surgeon is the person who can really lay your mind to rest.  Since you have pain, (sure, diet can do this, as in caffeine) you may have a fibroid or something that is benign but that should come out.  My sister did, at 19.  It wasn't any big deal, and she's never had a thing since, but if there is breast cancer in the family, or even if there isn't, get thee to a breast surgeon pronto.  (JIC, god forbid, there is something, you need to see one ASAP.)

Since it does not show up on U/S, it sounds like a benign fluid filled cyst, but you are more than wise to check it out.  A benign cyst can wax and wane with your periods, but it won't show up on an ultrasound.  A fibroid will, so that lets that out.  Do you have any leaking from your nipple?  Are you on birth control pills?  There may be a hormonal imbalance also, that could cause these things.

You don't mention your dr. as being a breast surgeon, but call your OB/GYN or your GP and ask for a referral.  If you post where you are, we can refer you to someone.  Then go, and continue being such a wonderful, pro active lady on behalf of your own health!

You are the age of my own daughter and I am very proud of you for addressing this, but please know that your age will probably rule very much in your favor.  That said, it is not impossible, so for your own sake I would push you to do this.

p.s. If you did see a breast surgeon, I would continue to push that doctor for further testing...you can and should have an MRI which isn't any big deal and should be covered by your insurance.  Insist on one. 

Take care of you!

love

annie

Annabella58

p.s. sweetie, please PM me if you need to.  I don't want to scare you off this, but I would love for you to address it so that you have peace of mind.

Musical105

Hi Annie. Thanks for responding. I am on the Pill, so I do know that that might affect things as well. I am in the Chicago area. An idea of who to see would be very helpful. My family is really struggling financially right now, so I'm wondering roughly how high the cost is to see a breast surgeon? Thanks again!

Musical105

...and no, nothing is leaking from my nipple.

Annabella58

Hi Musical, I would start up a new thread, saying you need reccomendations of a good breast surgeon in the Chicago area.  Wait a bit, but I promise, they will come on and post them.  If not, please PM me and I'll ask around.

Actually, I will ask you to go to the Exchange City thread.  They are the most wonderful, knowledgeable group of ladies on there, and can really help!

Tell them, Annie sent you and they will surely help.....I am glad nothing is leaking, that is great news.  The cost for a breast surgeon is no more than a co pay, depending on your insurance, should be 25-75.00 out of pocket co pay.

If you don't have insurance, make the appointment anyway, and then tell them your situation.

I had none when I got my first case of bc, and they worked out a very easy payment schedule for me. 

This will all work out, but go on over to exchange city and ask them to give you a helping hand.

take care, it will be fine.

Annie

Anonymous

Musical- It's normal to feel scared but I wanted to reassure you that even if a lump is detected in our breasts the majority of the time it is something benign.  Our breasts are very "busy".  They make cysts, fibroids, etc all the time and sometimes it can be difficult or time consuming to sort out which is which.  Like annie said, since you have pain it's more than likely not breast cancer as this is usually not a symptom.  But you should definitely follow up with this and do so with a breast surgeon.  Good luck and keep us posted!  (((hugs)))

Annabella58

Hi Kate . 

(((((((((((((((((xxoxoxo))))))))))))))))))

jennem

Actually I have to correct the person who said that a cyst won't show up on ultrasound. It will--ultrasounds are how cysts are diagnosed. They show up clearly as black circles/ovals.

If it didn't show up on ultrasound, it could be a density, a fibroid, fat necrosis, etc. But you should definitely pursue it through other testing until they decide exactly what it is.