One areola has almost doubled in size - help please - any ideas?

CrowLuv
CrowLuv Member Posts: 29
edited April 2021 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hello all, I'm currently getting worked up for a not-very-concerning (to me) BI-RADS 4 ultrasound report (palpable mass just under my nipple on my right breast). From what I understand, it's highly likely to be a benign papilloma, we'll see.

However - since finding the lump, naturally I've been taking a closer look at my breasts, nothing obsessive, just taking a look in the mirror when getting undressed, that kind of thing.

Last night I noticed on my right breast (same one with the mass) that my areola has gotten HUGE. Like, first glance - glaring difference. This is new. I asked my husband, he agreed - we were both like WTF?!

The difference is so much I actually got out a measuring tape (LOL I know, I know). Left breast areola is not even 2 inches, top to bottom. Right breast areola, the one with the mass - top to bottom, OVER THREE INCHES.

Upon further inspection and moving my arms all around in weird positions, looking closer, etc. - I noticed that there are about 2 small areas within this huge areola that are puffy or swollen. It's NOT the entire areola that is puffy, just a couple of areas within the areola. Compared with left breast - no puffy spots on that one.

I'm not a "freak out" kind of person, y'all. I have several health issues - some quite serious - that I've been dealing with a long time, and I learned a long time ago that freaking out and obsessing over every bodily sensation/change is a complete waste of emotional energy. I get irritated with hypochondriacs and cyberchondriacs....

However, this seems pretty freaking weird and I really hope someone can chime in with any thoughts about this.

BTW - Google is not helpful AT ALL - it just keeps coming up with Paget's but that doesn't seem to fit bc my areola is not flaking, scabbing, oozing, itching, etc. It's just....freaking HUGE hahahaha!

I've never had any abnormal "breast issues" in my life outside the usual lumpy stuff when I was younger that many young women have.....so, this is all very new for me, and I'd be really grateful if anyone could let me know what they think. Thanks in advance!

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  • Merlot_itsme
    Merlot_itsme Member Posts: 20
    edited April 2021

    hello there! I know this is a very old thread but I was wondering if you got any answers on the puffy areola? I am awaiting biopsy on my left breast for a lump they found on my first screening mammogram, also under my nipple, same as you. On other side of where the lump is my areola is a bit more light pink then the rest and a bit puffy too. No one mentioned anything about it and my OB didn’t seem to notice it. I have a vein there so my fiancé thinks maybe it’s the vein that makes it look puffy or discolored. I looked it up on Google tooand can find nothing also except Paget’s but I don’t have any symptoms of that either. So just curious if you ever found anything out.

    Thanks much and hope your well and everything came back ok for you testing wise!

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  • NoBananas
    NoBananas Member Posts: 31
    edited April 2021

    Merlot_itsme, I’m replying to comfort you, as nobody has responded, and I can’t help with advice, but when you go to have your biopsy, just ask the radiologist about it. It may be related to the lump you are having biopsied. Years ago, I found that radiologists were tight lipped, but my recent dealings, I have found the radiologist to be a ball of knowledge. And they are, and should be allowed to discuss your concerns. The radiologist I had talked to me about having a second mastectomy, to eliminate as much breast tissue I could to save a third and fourth cancer forming. He had been in the game for over 40 years, and said he’d seen it happen over and over. Especially ladies getting a second cancer in the same breast. Back on topic, radiologists are very specialised people and know a lot aboutbreast cancer. See if you can ask him some questions.

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  • Merlot_itsme
    Merlot_itsme Member Posts: 20
    edited April 2021

    thank you for you’re reply, sadly I went Monday for my biopsy so I won’t be able to ask about it. He didn’t mention anything when doing the biopsy about it though. Not sure if he would have or not anyhow without me bringing it up. I’m expect my results tomorrow or Monday and I am absolutely a wreck over it. I did get him to say the mass in his opinion was a 4a maybe a b as my report only listed BIRADS 4. He said it was very small only 5mm so it was hard to tell exactly the shape or margins of it. I’m getting married in a couple months and I really would love a benign result so I can still get married and have my dream day with my dream dress with all my hair and my boobs intact. I know it may be silly to say that given all that sole go through but it’s all I can think about.

    Thanks again for your reply.

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  • NoBananas
    NoBananas Member Posts: 31
    edited April 2021

    Merlot_itsme, I’m in the car travelling to meet my MO and RO right now. My tumour was small too, 6mm. My fingers are crossed for you that it is benign, and your big day goes as planned. Please keep me informed. Big hugs to you.

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  • Merlot_itsme
    Merlot_itsme Member Posts: 20
    edited April 2021

    I’m so sorry for your dx. I hope that your treatment goes well and is successful. May I ask what BIRADS score you received and how your mass was described? Mine is 4 and ill defined and hypoechoic in the sub areola region.

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