not sure

jenanns

Hello. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I apologize if I am not posting this on the correct forum. I found this site by googling some recent symptoms and was very surprised to see this forum come up second on the search results, with IBC being the first. First let me say that I am not looking for an internet diagnosis. I just want some input from people who understand this and are quite knowledgeable on it, as all of you seem to be. Life is all about helping each other right? So I am really not sure what to think about my symptoms. About three weeks ago, I noticed a bright red dime sized mark on the upper edge of my areola exactly in the center on the left breast. The best way to describe it is that it looks like a cigarette burn. It feels very scaly and I can feel it without having to look at it. There is some itching around it at times. I should also mention that the skin above my breast looks mostly ok. If I look closely, at times it reminds me of the color of a bruise that is almost healed with little streaks of bruising. For a few days after it started, there were also some tiny dark bruises on the skin high above my areola, that were strangely the same size and shape as the red mark. At the moment those tiny bruises are not there. The skin color isn't too concerning, as the problem is mostly with the areola, which does seem to be a slightly darker color and slightly different texture than the other side. The thing that first made me examine my breast is because that one feels very heavy, hangs lower, and looks swollen. I am very thin with a small chest, so this usually doesn't happen; and it is only happening on that side. It kind of feels like there is a water balloon inside it. Sometimes there is also a shooting pain that goes through it, but I don't know if that is related or not. I do try to ignore this but the heaviness on that side constantly brings my attention to it. Today I noticed there is now another red mark as well towards the side of my areola on the same breast; so there are two marks in total at this point. I should also say that I am 41 and do not know my family history. I do not have kids and not currently pregnant, but I do have PCOS. Does anyone have any thoughts about this? I am not sure if I should pursue this or if I am over reacting and should wait it out. Your energy flows where your mind goes right? My second question is that since this is female related, could I go to my ob/gyn instead of my primary doctor? My primary is male and ob/gyn is female, so I would definitely feel more comfortable going to my ob/gyn for this. I also feel she would be more knowledgeable on how to proceed. If not then what kind of doctor would I have to see to start this process? Thank you in advance for your help!

CoComedy

Hi Jenanns,

I would make an appt with your OB. Certainly sounds like some sort of infection or something that you should have checked. I didn’t have ANY symptoms when I was diagnosed like yours. It’s worth it to get checked though. Just for your own peace of mind. Sounds painful too! Let us know what it turns out to be. Hugs!

jenanns

Dear CoComedy,

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your reply! I am thinking I will get it checked, as you said at least for my peace of mind. Thank you also for saying I could get it checked by my ob/gyn! That alone gives me some comfort! I will keep you posted. Hugs back!

jenanns

update: haven't gone to the doctor about this yet but will be making an appointment tomorrow. the marks are still there and right above one of spots there is a very small bump under my skin. the other thing noted today is that when my arms are raised, there is some kind of...idk the right word, but the skin above it on that side kind of webs. it is only happening on one side. it reminds me of how shattered glass looks when it webs. whatever it is, it did make me decide that it is finally time see my ob gyn. thank you