Terrified & anxious.

Concerned7

hi, I'm new here & was hoping to find some insight before my appointment. I'm 22 and have had some pain in my left armpit for a few months now. It was only a few days ago when I noticed a small indent right under the left nipple and today I noticed a small circle like spot on the same breast (on the areola) that's a bit darker. Some nipple/breast tenderness is present. I have no lumps or bumps that can be felt in my armpit or breast either and no history of breast cancer in my family. I have an appointment on Monday, but have been so terrified while waiting- I've cried every day and can hardly eat I'm sor scared. Any insight or thoughts on this would be appreciated...

MelissaDallas

Breast cancer in a twenty two year old is very, very rare. Hormonal, skin and benign fibrocystic changes are very common. Pretty safe to say you can stop being terrified and there is nothing seriously wrong with you

SUPer52

I am so sorry that you are experiencing such worry. The symptoms you have described can be caused from benign conditions too, but you are wise to have made an appointment about the changes you have noticed. Breast cancer is very rare in someone your age, but it is still good that you are taking your symptoms seriously and having them checked. I do have a cousin who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23, but she had a palpable lump AND there is also a very strong history of breast cancer at an early age in our family, putting her at a much higher risk even than older women. Your risk factors are low since you are so young and have no family history of breast cancer, so try not to fear the worst. The odds are in your favor, and as the previous poster stated, it is much more likely that your symptoms are not from anything serious. You have taken the first step by making an appointment, and hopefully everything will turn out okay and you will get some peace of mind with an explanation for your symptoms. Hang in there and try to fill your weekend with activity and time with friends and family to take your mind off your worry. Hugs to you, and please keep us posted.

Concerned7

Update, I went to several doctors (2 of which just felt around and said they didn’t feel anything) one did the same, but scheduled me an ultrasound just to be sure. I had that yesterday and they said everything looked normal on the ultrasound & couldn’t find anything abnormal with that. He then cane out and said he’s very doubtful it’s cancer. Is that ultrasoundpretty reliable or should I have asked for further tests to be done to be sure?

MelissaDallas

I would trust the several doctors I had seen and the ultrasound.

AliceBastable

If you're still having doubts after seeing several doctors and getting a clean ultrasound, you might want to address your health anxiety issues.

djmammo

Concerned7

Have you read this post? It may be helpful.

WC3

Another test they can do would be an MRI but this may be a battle with your insurance company.