Itchy nipples

JD---nipple itch can be a symptom of bc. I agree with Ann you should find a doc that will listen to you. You have made the first move which is to be concerned and asking for help. You said you were whereing fatigues,--veteran. Try that route and be right up front and say you want to be checked out for breast cancer. Don't take no for an answer. good luck

JDaniel,

Breast cancer can be in body rather long time, plus BC is usually slow-growing, and since one is larger than the other, I agree with other posters, GO IN, find a cancer clinic near you.  All my skin is sensitive, I have to wear very soft undergarments and put lotion all over my body, they make Lubriderm for men now, which I use the regular kind.

GG 

Ithica., I respectfully disagree. Itching can be a symptom, plus he has noticed a size difference. He has had unsuccessful dermatology treatment. I had the same itching. It's a very unusual type itch it's deep and can't be stopped with a scratch or pressure. It was just one of those things that pushed me towards an elective and half way through he process, they found BC. This is not one of those well I had you must have it suggestions. This has been plaguing him for years. This is where reverse discrimination come in, if he were a woman---he would have been tested already.

If you are eligible for veterans benefits, go through them. I know they sometimes get a bad wrap. I had multiple patients from the VA. I was impressed with the care and response.

You are concerned JD , enough you found us here seeking advice. My twin had BC in 96. plus an unheard of number of family. Statistically it's a cluster. I had talked about an elective for years. Then talked with PCP for 3 years. Then certain things happened that pushed towards the elective. When the nipple itching started I did not know it could be a symptom----it was a bit of a surprise because I'd been around along time ,

Follow your instincts, see if you can't get an MRI vs mammo. Long shot, but at least ask. expect a no. If that doesn't work ask for an Ultrasound along with the mammo. Until you get the all clear, your mind will not be settled.

jdaniel,

 I would just walk into a breast clinic and ask for them to look at it.  It may be embarasing (Trust me I know), but it could save your life.  I would avoid a general doctor in your case, and focus on someone who works with breast cancer.

 I have had a lump in my chest for 10 years, and I am newly diagnosed.  I am at Stage-IV becuase it was ignored for so long.  Every other docter said it was just a cyst and to ignore it.  So yes you can have Breast Cancer for 10 years and still be alive.

Eric

JD Please pay attention to Eric's words ------------------please

ANN --- itchy nipples is the mans forum? what am i missing

Edit 5-6-11 Duh ----ANN Thanks

JDaniel,

Yes, women's breasts can be uneven, in fact most are.  But if I understand you correctly, one of yours has always been that way, so if I misunderstood it as a symptom, sorry.  But now, you mentioned the one is somewhat darker than the other, too, even tho lotion helped some, but that is yet another clue of BC.  Now, sure, it's almost for sure not cancer, rather some sort of benign growth or skin infection or whatever.  But since a dermatologist years ago wanted to do a biopsy, that was someone who KNOWS about all this stuff and HE wanted to be sure.  So, it boils down to being sure, and in the words of the man who was staring down the 357 Magnum of Dirty Harry's gun and said, "I gots to know," sir, you gots to know.  Reread what Eric posted about being at Stage IV, which means it has spread, a particularly scary situation.  As for being out of the country, if you can get the dermatologist you see to do a biopsy, and if results are suspicious, perhaps you can get some sick leave and take a plane back to Canada. 

GG

I am a Paget's survivor. You need a biopsy ASAP. The smoking gun here is that it is just on one side. I don't want to alarm you but a biopsy is not that big of a deal for the piece of mind it will give you if it is benign. If it is not you will be on your way to treatment and treatment saves lives. Please don't let it go any longer. BC can be in your tissues for a very long time before you have any noticeable symptons. Paget's is classically misdiagnosed as a skin disorder most of the time. Only a biopsy will clear you. Get it done.

YES, JDANIEL, YES.  Let the dermatologist do the biopsy, not just have a look.  Insist on biopsy, becuz the one who sees you this time may not be as experienced, perhaps.  Yes, get the biopsy at the dermatologist! 

I am 36 y/o male diagnosed in Nov. 2010. The main symptom that I had that led me to find the lump and go to the doctor was itchiness.

Jd you are a stereotypical man-------------stubborn.        ahhhh(*&%$#$%.    go see a Breast doc for a real dx

JD, glad to hear you saw a doctor, but I still really recomend you have a biopsy.  I know your like me, but it will be better in the long run...Trust me!