Intense breast itching for months
Hello,
For the last 6 months I have been experiencing constant non stop breast itching in my right breast.I also think my nipple looks a bit different, like a slight dip that everyone keeps acting like is normal and nothing. It has brought me to tears somedays. I am 25 years old, my great grandmother, my great aunt, and my 30 year old cousin have all had breast cancer.
I have had a breast ultrasound that came back negative. I have seen 3 dermatologists, one gave me a scrape biopsy to check for pagets that came back neg. I have tried 13 different creams, 4 different antihistamines, lyrica, and a round of antibiotics and not one thing has touched this unbearable itch.
I have also seen 2 breast surgeons all of which have dismissed me saying itch isn't a symptom and they won't do anything cause I have no lump.
My primary keeps sending me to dermatologists who keep telling me to take benadryl, my gynecologist keeps sending me to breast surgeons who dismiss me.
I don't know what to do anymore, I am not convinced nor comforted one bit by the ultrasound at this point. Its only my right breast how can this be normal?
Has anyone experienced the same thing, where should I go from here?
Comments
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You have had all the imaging available for breast with the exception of an MRI. I doubt an insurance company will reimburse for a diagnostic study if the only history is '25 y/o female with breast itching'. Give them a call and see if they will pay for a screening exam for strong family history. If they can determine you have a 20% or greater chance of eventually having BC based on the number of relatives who had it, that might also help the ins company make a decision. You also may need genetic testing.
In the meantime, since you have already had several professional evaluations, see if any of this helps: http://www.itchybreast.org/
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What about a mammogram?
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My error I thought you'd have already had a mammogram at this point.
If the ultrasound showed no mass, the mammogram could demonstrate thickening of the skin in the symptomatic area. This is something that could also have been measured on the US images. Did they scan both breast so a comparison could be made? Even then you wouldn't know whether the thickening was secondary to a malignant or infectious process or just from the constant scratching, the MRI could demonstrate whether or not it enhances abnormally. A mammo could show calcifications if present that could eventually lead to a biopsy.
Do all your docs know the family history? I think at your age with no mass you would have to press the FH angle to get anything else done. Ask one of your docs to order a limited study of the symptomatic breast, even one good view would help.
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No mammo, nor has it been offered to me. All the doctors know my family history.
My 30 year old cousin was tested positive for the PALB2 gene as well. I don't speak with her much and she isn't willing to give me the paperwork to give it to the geneticist to have it covered by insurance for testing.
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I have the same problem. Very itchy right breast and nipple. My nipple actually flakes slightly too but the worst itch is right below the nipple. I’ve been everyone under the sun and even had a breast MRI done. Only thing I haven’t done is a biopsy which will be my next stop. The fact that you had a biopsy would reassure me some if I were you. If you really want an all around view then see if you can do an MRI. I wish I had more advice. Have you tried unscented detergent and eliminating fabric softnera
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venuss9 - I did my expanded genetic panel testing here https://www.color.com/product/hereditary-cancer-genetic-test $249self pay, and you get the chance to speak with a genetic counselor after you get your results. Best of luck to you. I hope everything resolves itself very soon.
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I have also been experiencing extreme itching in my right breast for the past 6 or so months. Yesterday I noticed a quarter sized rash or discoloration and have also experienced some pain along with the itching. I went to my PCP today and they have me scheduled for a mammogram on Thursday (which may not be helpful if it is IBC) and an appointment scheduled with a surgeon on Oct 15. I am extremely worried after doing my own research and am going to push to get the appointment with the surgeon pushed forward so I can have a biopsy done sooner. I am a 36 year older mother of 4
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Pearljammed, sorry you have to be here and worried, but we wanted to say welcome!
It's a good thing you have been diligent in following these changes in your breast. That doesn't mean it is anything serious but normally having an answer to a symptom can ease one's mind. Try to relax stay away from internet searches, and please keep us posted on how it goes on your next tests and appointments.
Best,
The Mods
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Mammogram and ultrasound came back clear. My appointment with the surgeon has been moved to October 1st. Just a waiting game now. The discoloration seems more bruise like and almost the same color as my areola. I have noticed another small spot at the top of my areola. Still itchy and painful. Hoping to rule out the worst and get to treating whatever it is. Thank you for your comments. I am trying my best to avoid searching, even within this community, as it just worries me more.
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