Extremely worried and scared

Anonymous

Extremely worried and scared

anne01

Hi,

I know you can't diagnose me, but until I'll see a doctor, I need an opinion so that I won't go crazy with worry.

I'm a 29 y/o white female with normal weight, never been pregnant and not on pill. My breasts look terrible, saggy with stretch marks, as I've lost a lot of weight and now I've gained some back. I also have some visible pores, which to my eyes are like they always were, including at my last clinical exam. No family history of any C.

My last clinical exam of the breasts (done by a private breast specialist) was last december and everything was peachy. I had some other concerns at my right breast and the lady scolded me, 'why are you here if you don't have BC in your family nor lumps' and wasn't happy that I came to her right before my period.

Now, my current concern... 6-7 days ago, I noticed on my left brest right at the beginning of the areola (in the upper area, opposite to the nipple) a small spot that has a slightly darker hue of brown than the areola . It's not so easy to spot, but it is visible up close and since a greenish vein is in the area, I thought it was a bruise since I bruise extremely easy. That spot is not raised or anything and resembles to the spots some get on their faces from the sun. I have a puppy who bruised me on the breast before, so I naturally thought that she might've done it again, but now I'm not so sure anymore. Shouldn't a bruise be gone by now, said my inner self and I Googled and here I am.

I am very concerned, and my period is due anytime, which is why I haven't rushed to a breast specialist yet. I have no inflammation yet, no itch, nor pain - the left breast is actually my naturally smaller one. I also checked for swollen lymph nodes, under my armpits or breast bone, which I don't think I have, but I'm no doctor.

I also may have accidentally smeared some hydrocortisone ointment around the area, as I was getting undressed - I get heat rash on the hands in the summer (here is scorching hot now).

My questions: 1. does it sound sinister? 2. when is the earliest when I could visit a breast specialist considering that my period is due? After it's all gone or during it is ok too? 3. How do you check for dimplings? With raised hands over the head or on the hips? 4. I'm not young anymore, but doctors tend to dismiss one, so what tests do I need to take to be sure? a biopsy?

Thank you for listening, and sorry for the grammar as English isn't my 1st language.

Anne

Moderators

Hi Anne,

We're so sorry you're here and worrying, but we are sending good thoughts your way for this to be nothing to worry about. It's very likely there is no reason to be concerned, but it is always best for you to confirm this with your doctor.

--The Mods

MinusTwo

Anne - There is often breast swelling around the period. I would call your doc and ask how long they want you to wait after your period for potential swelling to go down before a manual exam

anne01

@Moderators Thank you for answering. I am also appreciating the good thoughts. Sending some good thoughts back to all the ladies on this forum. May we all receive good news.

@MinusTwo Thank you for taking the time to answer. Will do. The last time I went, she told me the rules, but I forgot.

Still scared because I'm not so young anymore and you just never know.

One more thing: should I trust the doctor if I'm being sent to a dermatologist or push for more?