Never pregnant - could I have mastitis or could it be IBC?

cupcake1142

First off: I understand many of you on this board have been through a lot and I don't mean to diminish that by freaking out about what could be considered mild symptoms. I just don't know who to ask and I am terrified and cannot sleep.

My symptoms: For the past week, my right breast has been tender and sore to the touch -- similar to how both my breasts feel when I am PMSing. I shouldn't have PMS for another two weeks though. My right breast feels a bit fuller and firmer than my left one. It also feels warmer than my left one. My right breast appears to be slightly larger, but I honestly never looked or noticed before so I can't tell if that's different now. I also did a self breast exam and both my breasts feel a bit lumpy, though my right one perhaps a little more so. No hard discernible lumps that feel different than the rest of the breast. I have never done a self exam so I'm not familiar with how my breasts should feel. No redness, dimpling, nipple changes or obvious physical symptoms. I also do not have a fever. Overall, it feels like my right breast is PMSing pretty bad.

Here is my question: can a 29-year-old woman who has never been pregnant get mastitis or other benign breast conditions? To be honest, I am freaking out and incredibly scared and crying. I've never breastfed, so why would I get something associated with nursing? Is there another possible explanation for these symptoms? It feels like my breast pain is getting worse as time passes. It's been 5 days of this pain. I am seeing a nurse practitioner at my ob/gyn for a clinical breast exam in three days, and that feels too far away. I keep doing all this research online, but it doesn't make any sense that I'd have mastitis. I don't see any other possibilities. And I know IBC is rare, but I'm really scared.

What else could this be? And do you have any advice for what to do when I see the nurse practitioner to ensure this is investigated fully quickly?

Thanks so much for any info or thoughts.

Moderators

We are sorry that you are going through this. Since we are not physicians, this is tough to answer. It seems that you are doing the correct thing by going to get a clinical (diagnostic) breast exam, and we know it is hard to wait. But, if you have to wait, just make sure that they do a thorough exam, and refer you to any additional testing right away, should they feel it necessary.

Hang in there, and treat yourself well this weekend.

cupcake1142

Right, but I am not asking for a diagnosis. I am wondering what is in the realm of possibility for a young woman who has never been pregnant. When I look online, the only two things I see are a) mastitis, or b) IBC. But then when I read up about mastitis, it's always associated with breastfeeding, which obviously doesn't apply to me. It just doesn't make sense, and I am aware IBC is rare. I am just wondering what other sorts of conditions would cause pain in only one breast. And perhaps, I am looking for a bit of reassurance so I can stop worrying that I have cancer.

Moderators

It is very unlikely that you have breast cancer. However, sadly, young women do get breast cancer, and women who have never had a pregnancy also get breast cancer. But, like we said, it is unlikely, and only an examination and testing by medical professionals will be able to tell you exactly what is going on. You may want to read about ibroadenomas (a benign lump that is firm and moveable) or cysts.

Here are a few links if you would like to read about symptoms, screening and testing:

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/symptoms

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing

As well as on managing breast cancer fears:

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/fears

Thinking of you, and hoping some of this information will reduce your anxieties.

The Mods

MelissaDallas

Breast pain is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. It is usually hormonal or fibrocystic, but as they said, it is good you are getting it checked.

Leah_S

Cupcake, mastitis in a woman who is not breastfeeding is rare but it happens. It's good you're going to get this checked out since even if it's "only" mastitis it needs to be treated. Infections can get nasty if they're left alone.

Best of luck.

Leah

ibcmets

Cupcake,

My breast hurt during mentrual periods & more when I became pregnant. Could be hormones, but have your obgyn check it out. It does not sound like ibc from what you stated.

Terri

cupcake1142

Thanks ladies. When you google "pain in one breast" you don't get any results saying, "It's probably just your hormones." Literally every result I found was IBC and/or mastitis, which of course really freaked me out. What a relief to hear people say it's a common complaint and could be nothing. I really appreciate sharing your insights with me and I will of course update the thread after I get to talk to my doctor. Going back a few months, I have noticed a bit heavier periods, so now I am hopeful it will just be hormonal and stop worrying until I can get some actual answers. The one breast thing is unusual, but I can't diagnose myself at this point.

I will say I am glad to have learned the symptoms of IBC - I thought cancer was always a lump and painless. Even if it is a rarer form of cancer, I will now be able to spot the symptoms in myself and my loved ones if it does ever touch my life. Wishing you all the best in your battles against this disease and thank you for the education and support you provide.

alicki

hello,

Oh yes! Inflammation can really do a lot of harm. My lymphatic system is inflammed, I rose my arm on the side of my good breast yesterday and could literally feel the lymphatic system going up through my arm pit and it was burning like hell.

Breast people have no idea! Going back to hematologist since he s the lymph guy.

Take care, alicki

Killerc0urt

yes you can have mastitis without ever being pregnant. This happened to me at age 27. I found out later on (now I’m 30) that I do have hormonal problems related to endometriosis and adenomyosis. You should definitely visit a doctor and get this checked out. You also might want to google endo and see if those symptoms fit you