Brest pain, swollen axillary lymph nodes and possible dimpling.
So, my story is quite complicated. ive been reading people's stories off this site for a while as ive been trying to do some research on my recent findings. I am 20 years old and extremely worried that I have bc. I know im kind of young to develop it but i am an extreme worrier and so paranoid.
Several months ago i started noticing that my breasts were a little itchy. not badly but just a little especially around the areola. i ignored it and figured it was from shaving the little hairs around it which i now realize is bad to do. Fast forward to June. I started to really get a lot of discomfort one day and some more itching around the areola in both breasts. it was almost constant. The breasts appeared to look normal. The very next day I woke up with soreness in my left breast only near my sternum and it was only when I applied pressure. that really freaked me out so that night I gave myself a bse. I couldnt find any lumps in either breast. Just what I think are normal glands in the breast. When i looked at my breasts in the mirror i saw a slight indentation on the left side of my left breast near the armpit almost along the edge of the breast where the tissue ends if that makes sense. When I raise my arms up it fades away and when i lean forward its more obvious but it is a slight indentation. i know dimpling can be a sign of bc but im not sure if its dimpling fo sure since i have something kind of similar in my right breast in the same area but its very small. You can barely see it compared to this one in fact. i also had slight armpit pain at that point.
Within a few days i was at the doctor. The pain was mild but it was there when i applied pressure and that alarmed me. She did a physical exam and said everything felt normal. nothing abnormal. I didnt even feel pain when she pressed down on the areas. i dont really think she was pressing hard enough. that sounds silly but im able to feel an ache when i do it. The indentation wasnt really discussed because she couldnt see it while i was laying down and she didnt see any obvious changes. She told me how rare bc is at my age and not to worry. She sent me for an ultrasound that same day (pretty speedy) and i had my results by the end of the day. Nothing was found. Normal breast tissue, no shadows, no mass. My doc said the pain should go away and if it doesnt then to give her a call and thats exactly what happened.
I found myself back at the doctor with an uneasy mind. it was only about a week and a half after my first visit. The pain had left the armpit but was still in the chest area. She asked about possible injury. i didnt have any i could remember. A slight greenish bruise also formed on the breast near the chest which has since then gone away. She did another physical exam and still didnt find anything. she told me to try Aleve for four days straight twice a day and that should do the trick. Didnt work.
A few days ago i noticed that the pain moved back to around the armpit area on the edge of the left breast and wasnt near the chest anymore. i can now feel two small lumps (which could be swollen lymph nodes) along with regular nodes in the area (normal feeling ones) Theyre extremely squishy, kind of rubbery and mobile. they slip away from my fingers almost. they just appeared. Definitely werent there before. The indentation remains. Could these be fibroadenomas? i know i cant get a diagnosis on here but im freaking out. ALL ive read on the internet has been bad. i dont really have any history of bc in the family. Only my great aunt who died from it. But my grandmother and mother have never had it. There havent been any changes in appearance lately either. Just some dryness of both nipples and the indentation. Breast size, thickness and skin texture are normal and identical. Any guidance/insight/support will be greatly appreciated. I'm really paranoid and think the absolute worst. The indentation is what scares me the most. I can't stop looking at it in the mirror, changing positions etc. It looks as if it could almost be due to extra tissue or fat. Like I said before I have something slightly similar on the other breast in the same area but it is not as obvious. Maybe a possible stretch mark? There isn't any thickening in the area although both breasts seem to be thick and evenly thick as well so I'm assuming that part is normal. Apologies for the long post.
Cristina
Comments
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Well, you've been seen a couple times by a doctor and nothing overly concerning was found. You got a pretty good workup, with a CBE and ultrasound. Your symptoms are kind of moving and changing, and all of them like they could be hormonal-type things. I'd give it a month or so and keep track of what is going on. If the 2 small lumps are still there after your cycle, you could let your doctor know about them, to see if she finds them worrisome. The indent could be a lot of things...breast cancer probably one of the least likely. But where you have something similar on the other side, it's probably just part of your geography.
It's hard not to think the worst - believe me, I know all about that. You got good news and good results from the testing you've had, so I think you should continue to pay attention to your breasts, but try not to stress out too much. Sounds like you have a really good doc.
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Thanks so much for your input. I really am such a worrier. Im beginning to think the two small lumps are most likely swollen lymph nodes maybe from a possible infection but im not breast feeding. So im not sure if an infection is possible. The only thing I can think of is maybe from shaving around the areola. Ive even plucked. But can that cause pain or serious infection? There is some redness around the areola where the hair follicles are. Kind of like little pimples.
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Yeah, I've heard that shaving can cause lymph nodes to become enlarged. Anything that opens up the skin can let an infection in. My son (7) had slightly enlarged nodes on his neck and his pediatrician told me that this time of year, bug bites can cause lymph nodes to swell. He wasn't overly concerned and the swelling went away on its own. I have a history of enlarged nodes with no discernible cause.....have 2 more now, actually. I'll be going in for an ultrasound next week to check on some other lumps I'm being followed for, and I'll see what they have to say about the nodes then.
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Last night I noticed some lumpiness under my armpits. I felt around almost until my fingers were numb. I was trying to see if I felt something similar on the other side and I didnt really. It kind of scared me because it was hard. Dont know how I was even able to sleep last night. Its just really insettling not knowing whats going on. I think a breast specialist might be the next stop.
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A breast specialist may be a good idea, and provide you with answers and peace of mind. I just want to add that breast tissue extends into the underarm area. And it can be lumpy there, too. I had lumps everywhere - including under my arms - and much of it turned out to be fibrous, lumpy, benign breast tissue. Some of the "lymph nodes" that I had removed during my surgery turned out to be lumpy tissue, not nodes, upon pathology.
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Chris perhaps a referral to a breast specialist is a good idea. I would want piece of mind about the changes you have. Worrying never helped anyone....sounds like you are irritating the area by your constant touch, feeling, probing. Trust the experts. Stay aware of changes in your body, that is how I found my BC, I noticed changes and went to my doctor.
I agree with Sarahjane, there can be alot of reasons for the changes you describe. You mentioned you are an extreme worrier. That will only cause you more and more health problems. Have you sought medical help for that issue? You are young and life can be hard, I do not know your life situation but please do not waste energy worriying about things that could be or might happen. A confident spirit will serve you much better in this old world than being a worry wart.
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Thanks guys. I really appreciate your responses.
Meadow, Ive had a lot of issues with anxiety and being extremely paranoid throughout my life and its only caused me more stress. Ive considered seeing a doctor for it but I somehow always convince myself it will be alright. Then I just continue to worry. In the end, I almost am always worried over absolutely nothing. BUT I also am glad I am aware of all the changes in my body minus the worrying. Im trying hard not to touch the area and im staying off google. That was what got me worried in the first place. I think a breast specialist will be my next stop.
Sarahjane, its reassuring to hear there could be many causes to the lymph nodes being swollen. Infection is definitely a possibility then. The lymph nodes are sore especially when applying pressure. I didnt realize the breast tissue goes up into the armpit area either. Thats helpful. That entire area feels rather lumpy. Its sort of becoming a guessing game in a way. I just hope its nothing serious. Be sure to give an update on what your dr says about the swollen lymph nodes. I hope your ultrasound goes well! (:
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Woke up with some mild pain this morning but my nerves seem to be a little better. Im waiting for any major changes before giving my doc another call which ill hopefully do next week. Im trying to stay relaxed. Its hard. Especially with the pain. Its not bad but like I said before, Im a worrier.
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Cris I am glad your anxiety is better,thats great. Find something you like to do and stay busy. If you continue to have pain you should see a breast specialist. You are paying attention to your body,while staying calm. This is the right path and you will get answers.
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Im definitely trying but its hard like I said. I just need to know its not something serious and I'll be okay. Ill keep everyone updated (:
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Just wanted to post here before I get some sleep. I had a better day today with a few instances of "over worrying" but im doing ok now. The pain has subsided at the moment but it often comes and goes. That gives me some more clues as to what might be going on.
Hugs to all! xx
Cristina (:
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Today, the pain has mostly subsided but I am left with a weird, sensitive-type sensation throughout the breast. Has anyone ever had anything similar to this? It kind of comes and goes throughout the day. Hair follicles around the areola are red (look a little infected or at least inflamed) and they are itchy sometimes but not constantly. Like I said I've shaved and even plucked there maybe a few weeks back. I've been putting Neosporin on it which somewhat helps. The fact that the pain in the breast has gone away is obviously good but it gives me another clue as to what the problem could be. I wouldn't be surprised if the pain comes back again tomorrow or tonight because it has before but its a very mild pain. I'm still trying to figure this all out. I feel like if I call my doctor and tell her I'm having a weird feeling throughout the breast she might think I'm crazy because this would be the third time calling her. I know she's a doctor and its her job but sometimes I feel like an annoyance. If it persists I'll call.Also, I was thinking about some of the blood tests I had done a few months back. I had routine blood work done back in November of 2013 which all came back normal as well as a Cortisol blood test in early June of this year. They were both done for a cyst I have on my pituitary gland (something not related to this) and everything came back at normal levels. If something as serious as bc was present right now, wouldn't something be off in the blood tests even in November? I know you can't diagnose anything serious such as bc through blood tests but I think something would be off like my white blood cell count. I hear sometimes it takes up to 2 to 5 years before someone can feel a lump or have symptoms of bc and I only started having these symptoms about a month ago. It's kind of sudden to be something as serious as bc and from what I've read, it takes time for bc to spread or for symptoms to be felt. I can be wrong but this is my current theory. I'm just really worried that what I have going are symptoms of bc. I'll keep everyone updated!
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Not sure say about this.
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hi cris how are you today? What happen to your breast exam? You didnt post any follow up to your condition.. I am feeling nervous right now cause i have does similar symptoms you felt on your breast before.. Pls reply if you read this.. I just want to know what is your diagnosis.. Tnx
Godbless
Jeah
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hi meadow hiw are you today?
Ive been reading your post to cris situation.. I am worried cause i have that same issue and cris didint have any follow up to what happen to her.. Last week i felt strange in my breast.. There are lumpy skn all over.. And it become redish in color and warm to touch and become heavier that the other one and d pain didnt go away.. Then i check my nipple for duscharge and i freak out cause theres something coming to both my nipples, a white discharge.. I went for an ultrasound, and it was clear..
The gp told me that it was just an infection.. So she gave me antibiotics and pain reliever.. 5days straight i feel d difference,. (I started to do biking every morning,) No more ache and may breast begun to become small.. I don't know y it become smaller than before.. Until last night the pain came back, after i finish biking in the morning i rake a shower and my nipple become sensitive again
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I saw an indentation at the top of may breast, i dont know if that is just a sag skin cause my breast become small.. Then right now i feel auxiliary lymph node at the side of my breast next to may arm.. I cant sleep and even eat cause i always thonking about this.. Please help, i need ur advice,.
(I have a 1 1/2 yr old son, which i stop breastfeeding for almost over 1 yr. is this possible to have breast milk even if i stop breatfeeding?
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Jeah, cris did not post any more after July 31, 2014; which is typical when people don't have breast cancer. When people feel better, they neglect to post what the final diagnosis or treatment was, which is unfortunate for people who have similar symptoms - like you. If your initial problems resolved with antibiotics, then I will say that your chances of having breast cancer are pretty low as it doesn't respond to antibiotics. Axillary lymph nodes do swell, however, when you have an infection, so it could be from that and the indent from the shrinking of your breast after the infection cleared. Please do keep an eye on it and if it persists through another cycle, then it would be worth reporting that change to your doctor (as all new or concerning breast changes should be reported). Good luck!
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mtwoman,
Is it possible that lymph node swell even if the infected is gone?Until now i feel the pain.. I went again to gp she told me that it is not lymph node, it is just a nerve that swell,. Is that possible?
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and my right breast is so sensitive.. I dont know if the pain is coming from may breast becoz it radiates at my shoulder, back til my arms til my hands? Is that a symptoms of bc
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Jeah, after being seen by a medical provider that felt the area in question, I would tend to believe their assessment (unless you have some questions about their medical judgment). Here is a good thread on breast pain (that remains after having been worked up by a medical provider).
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/83/topics/857903?page=1#idx_13
It doesn't sound like bc, sounds more like the nerve problem that your doc indicated. Did your doc give you a referral for it?
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But jeah look up thoracic outlet syndrome and see if that describes some of the pain in your back and arms and such. I say this cause I had that. So does my daughter. The best stuff doesn't sound familiar to me. Just the nerve like pains you're having sound familier
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MTwoman
She only gave me pain reliever.. Until now it hurts if i dont take the meds.. The middle part of my breast is so sensitive but it doesnt swell or anything.. If i look it in the mirror it looks normal, but the sensitivity is there.. And the pain in my shoulder thru my back is ther
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I got d result of my mammo
Findings: the breast are heterogeneously dense, which may obscure small masses
A lucent centered calcification is seen in the right periareolar area
No dominant mass, abnormal microcalcification, skin changes/ nipple tetraction seen
Assessment: heterogeneously dense, bilateral
Benign breast calcification, right
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