breast pain for two months

hellokitty1977

Hi everyone,

I am joining this community for the knowledge and support it offers. A little on me: I am 41 years old and for the past two months I have been having pain on my left breast especially near and under the nipple. The pain is also on my left side, left breastbone and radiates to my left arm sometimes. I am reading that pain isn't a common symptom of breast cancer. Had a physical exam at the obgyn, no lumps were felt and he says that it is possibly mechanical issue like a strain and my nerve is pinched but suggested I do a mammogram just to be safe. I am really concerned about the radiation in 3d mammograms and was hoping to start at 50 years old. What are my options in diagnostic terms? I am thinking of an MRI but read that they require the dye contrast. Also they will not do a breast ultrasound without a mammogram

Has anyone had breast pain that turned out to be breast cancer?

Thank you

Moderators

Dear hellokitty1977,

We are sorry that you are having this pain and the worry that accompanies it. Check out this link in the Not Diagnosed Forum about Common Imaging Questions and Concerns. There may be information that will be of help. Let us know if we can be of assistance.

The Mods

blue22

Hi Hello Kitty,

Hopefully it is nothing - but please follow up and make sure. I had pain in my breast and arm, and it turned out I had IBC.

For me they did an ultrasound an mammogram on the same day. By that time I had other symptoms of IBC, but nothing striking. I also developed a lump, but often IBC presents without a lump.

Good luck and hopefully there is nothing to worry about - but it is better to be sure!

Blue

MinusTwo

The rule of thumb is any pain that last longer than 2-3 weeks should be seen by a doctor. Have you never had a mammogram? If not, you're well past due.

I agree w/Blue. I got mammos then waited while the radiologist checked. Since the order was written correctly, I was called back for a diagnostic mammo & ULS all in the same session. You have to have a pretty good reason to refuse a mammogram before an ultrasound. Very few docs would consider an MRI as a first line test. Those are usually follow-ups if a problem is encountered.

hellokitty1977

Thank you Blue22 and MinusTwo for replying. It makes sense. I have an appointment for a 3d mammogram and 3d ultrasound on the 30th but now your replies made me think about it more and will call them Monday to schedule for early next week.

Blue22 I wanted to wish you strenght during your therapy, I noticed on your notes you start therapy on the 14th. I was reading that IBC is associated with breast pain. Was breast pain your first symptom? what other symptoms did you have before your diagnosis?

MinusTwo thank you for clarifying the different diagnostic tests for me, I appreciate it

blue22

Hi Hello Kitty,

My first symptom was breast pain, and then pain in my arm. I also had some itchiness. I developed a lump and some tenderness and noticed my nipple looked a bit inverted, but the pain was by far the most noticeable symptom. The pain was not consistent, it came and went.

Thank you for the well wishes! I forgot - I need to change the radiation start date. They moved it up and I started already this week.

Chances are you are fine - I really hope so - but definitely get checked out! I think I would have waited longer to call if my daughter hadn't pushed me. Once I did I had to wait over a month and a half to see my Dr. If I was able to go back in time I would have pushed to see sooner rather than wait.

hellokitty1977

Thank you blue22,

I have my appointment on the 30 th as I mentioned earlier but wondering if it is too late. I still have periods and read that it is better to schedule it 10 days after the onset of menses. If anyone of the members knows if this is an important factor in the clarity of a 3d mammogram I would appreciate it.

I am praying everything goes well for you blue22 and for all the ladies

blue22

I remember looking into connection between periods and breast pain, but not imaging. I honestly felt there might have been an association between the pain and the menstrual cycle, but it must have been my wishful thinking.

I hope all goes well for you and am glad that you are being proactive! Most likely it is not cancer, but it is important to follow up.

createdwithlove

Hello!! How long from the initial onset of pain to other symptoms emerging?