Advice Needed

ctc333

Hello,

I am 25 years old, no children, and I found a lump in my right breast December 16th, right above my right nipple. It was fairly small with no pain. It quickly progressed to my entire right breast become fairly tender and swollen. My nipple has since inverted and my arreola has changed shape and color. I was sent to get an ultrasound on January 17^th. I was reassured by my doctor that it was likely a cyst, so I was not super concerned. After the ultrasound showed not cyst, but lots of thickening of my breast tissue, I had a mammogram. The doctor stated that it was most likely a breast infection, but since I wasn't presenting any redness, fever, or illness, he wanted me to go to a surgeon for a second opinion. He also put me on an antibiotic to treat the suspected infection.

I saw a surgeon a week later and he confirmed the first doctor's suspicion of an infection, even though I did not respond to the first antibiotic. He put me on something stronger, but he also advised me to think about possibly doing an another ultrasound and biopsy, just in case. I told him I would try the stronger antibiotic before doing something so invasive as a biopsy.

I am on day 6 of the new antibiotic and I have not seen any improvement. I now have intense pain in my armpits, as well as swelling of the lymph nods. I feel like my breast is heavier and my nipple/arreola are changing daily. There is color change, but it is not redness typical with infection/cancer. No discharge, no fever. I have noticed the skin around my nipple becoming thick and changing in texture.

For those who have dealt/are dealing with something of this nature, how long did it take for your body to respond to antibiotics?

Also, how long should I hold off before requesting to do a biopsy? I know the chances of it being more than an infection are very slim because of my age, so I do not want to do something of that nature unless it is last resort.

I am open to any opinions/suggestions, as well as remedies to this, as my pain has increased greatly!

Thank you all.

mustlovepoodles

Yikes! That sounds like no fun at all. Antibiotics work on infection pretty rapidly. Most people see improvement within 72 hours. Not sure what you've got going on there, but I'm glad you're seeing a specialist. Your age is in your favor, of course, and it is much more likely That this is benign rather than cancerous. But I have to say, if you've had TWO courses of antibiotics and things are only getting worse, perhaps it's time for a biopsy. Call the doctor in the morning and let him know that you have increased pain, color change, and changes in texture.

Best of luck to you. Let us know how things go.

ctc333

Thank you so much, mustlovepoodles. I called and got an appointment for Wednesday morning. He'll do another exam and decide what the next step to take is.

ctc333

I am just wondering what other possibilities it could be, if it is not an infection. Mastitis and IBC are the only things I've heard of, but I feel like it is neither of those things.

Rachel888

Hi ctc333 I am so sorry you are going through this! Since you are having multiple symptoms it might be worth doing the biopsy especially if you are not responding to antibiotics. I'm assuming you would do a core needle biopsy? I think they are considered pretty noninvasive and most women think they are no big deal. My mother had 2 and barely even remembered that she had them because it was so quick and painless for her. Even if you don't think it is anything (which it probably isn't) the biopsy might shed some light on what is going on in there.

Good luck! Keep us updated!

ctc333

Hello,

An update, I went for my appointment and the doctor did a biopsy to rule out any concern of something worse than an infection. He still believes it is an infection, although it is not responding to the antibiotics I am on. He also did a culture that will hopefully confirm it is a stubborn infection and give some clues as to what antibiotics will target it.

I should have results by the end of this week.

Thank you both.

Rachel888

Great keep us updated! I hope it is an infection and they find the right antibiotics! It will be great when you finally have peace of mind and know for sure what it is.

Good luck I'll be hoping for the best!

ctc333

Hey all,

It's been a crazy couple of days. I got results...and it does look like it is cancer, not an infection.

I'm in shock. My doctor is in shock.

I am getting a second opinion this week, but I've had a feeling all along.

Thanks for all your help.

Rachel888

Hi ctc333 I'm so so sorry. I'm sure you are so stressed right now. Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way. At least now you know for sure what it is and can move forward with a plan.

Georgia1

So sorry to hear that. When you get the written biopsy report please share if you are comfortable doing so and we will all help as much as we can. I know the diagnosis is a shock.

momto3sons

I’m so sorry to hear that . But I’m glad your doctor did a culture. Will you have a biopsy now

Runrcrb

CTC33 - you've done the right thing by trusting your gut and pushing. You may want to consider a second opinion simply to interact with a different doctor on the topic. Not because he or she will tell you it's not cancer but because he or she may be more experienced and aggressive.

The shock is normal. Write down your questions, be wary of Dr Google, and if you can, take a trusted friend to all dr appointments to take notes for you. A friend can usually maintain the necessary concentration that a parent or spouse can't.

Good luck