Nipple change directions/ scared

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MiaMay
MiaMay Member Posts: 52
edited August 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi!

My name is Amelia and I need some insight from women who know more than me. I’m 34.

I noticed changes in my nipple a month ago. It is flattened in one area, has changed direction and the Areola around it has some strange skin changes. The consistency of the skin around it is different.

I went to the doctor and they scheduled me for a diagnostic mammogram. I had to wait two weeks but finally got in. The results showed an “irregular density” in the breast with the wonky nipple. I have to have a spot compression mammogram. I have to wait another two weeks.

I hav four days left waiting for the test. Honestly, I’m scared. My symptoms seem to fit with Paget’s disease which I’ve read gets misdiagnosed. The doc said I may need a nipple ultrasound and a biopsy but none has been scheduled.

My right nipple looks so wonky I can’t help but be terrified. I have a 7 year old with autism who relies on me fully. I’m trying to not be scared but the truth is I am. My aunt had breast cancer at my age and cancer runs rampant on both sides of my family.

I’m wondering if any women had nipple changes and how yours turned out? What can I expect moving forward with the spot compression test? Any consoling words? I know many women fight cancer and I may have nothing and I’m probably being overly worried

It’s all so anxiety inducing and I wish they didn’t make you wait so long, thanks for bearing with me.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2018

    Dear MiaMay,

    Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry that these breast changes have brought you here but glad that you reached out. It is normal to be concerned about breast changes. Most of our members will say that waiting for answers is very stressful when you are in the midst of testing. Try not to jump to the conclusion that you have cancer as such can be very worrisome when you are still searching for a correct diagnosis. Know that Paget's Disease is a rare diagnosis. If you or anyone starts to google breast symptoms you will most always arrive at breast cancer as a possible cause so try to cut back on researching as you can. Check out the topic on Interpreting your Reports and perhaps you can ask more questions about compression mammograms there.Keep us posted and let us know how things progress.

    The Mods

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  • MiaMay
    MiaMay Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2018

    thank you for your reply!


    Yes, you are right. It is rare. As you said, the waiting is hard. The changes of my nipple have me on edge. I have pain in that nipple as well that serves to remind me that I’m in the unknown and waiting phase.

    I have stopped research and am just making the most of the days with my son.

    Thank you again for your response.

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  • MiaMay
    MiaMay Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2018

    my spotcompression mammogram is today.


    I'm nervous and can't sleep. I will continue to update as I know sometimes women read without posting and just need to not feel alone. All of this is very scary

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  • MiaMay
    MiaMay Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2018

    Had my spot mammogram today.

    It squeezed quite a bit tighter than the diagnostic mammogram. The tech let me look at the original image and I could see what resembled a rubber ball in my breast with jagged edges.

    That's made me more nervous but it is what it is. I also noticed some pink spots today on my breast that I hadn't before on the skin not on the nipple or Areola. Like tiny pimples.

    She said the suspicious areacould be tissue folded up on itself and that's what the extra imaging was for. She did talk like I'd be scheduled for an ultrasound next. I sure wish they'd just do it altogether and stop this dragging it out business. They must know that's hard on a woman's mental health.

    Anyways, it will be a few days until I know more. I know I'm mostly talking to myself here but I thought I would keep updating for any silent readers who may be going through something similar

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  • MiaMay
    MiaMay Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2018

    So I got a copy of my results.


    There are a lot of words I don't understand like “focal asymmetry" and “summation artifact" and other things that I just am lost on.


    But I have a Bi-rads reading of 3. So, no definitive answer one way or the other. Seems the chances are much in favor of everything being benign.

    I am requesting an ultrasound because I am surprised one hasn't been done anyway. It seems it can offer valuable information in helping a radiologist further understand the mammogram.

    I am happy at this newsbut honestly don't want to be left in the unknown for the next six months.

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