Breast pain is one of the signs of breast cancer! Other symptoms includes:
Breast or Armpit lump: The most common manifestation of breast cancer is a lump or a thickening on the breast or armpit. Any thickened area of the breast that does not feel similar to surrounding breast tissue can be suggestive of a breast cancer. Presence of a lump or thickening in the armpit is suggestive of spread of cancer to axillary lymph nodes (situated in armpits).
Changes in skin of breast: Breast cancer can present as a redness or dimpling on the skin of breast, making it resemble an orange peel.
Changes in nipple(s): Presence of a rash around nipple can be a sign of breast cancer. Breast cancer may also lead to an inverted or sunken nipple. Any discharge from the nipple, in particular bloody discharge can be caused due to breast cancer. I read everything about breast cancer on zovon and found that if you consult a doctor at right time, it is no longer a life-threatening condition.
Others: Flaking, crusting, peeling or scaling of the skin of breast or nipple is also a sign of breast cancer.
Anything abnormal needs to be checked out. I had very uncomfortable shoulder pain and breast bone pain and swollen. Breast Cancer surgeon was so sure “95% chance it’s just a cyst”. But she ordered me an ultrasound and found out it was breast cancer. Good luck with you and don’t delay the diagnosis.
I let mine go for a year before I received any help because I understood that cancer , in general, was painless. My Breast Cancer surgeon explained that was a fallacy . Mine started with burning and sharp pain. I was diagnosed in May with DCIS (ductal carcenoma in situ) Grade 1 , very slow growing . He will do a lumpectomy and sentinel biopsy in 2 weeks. Good Luck to You. The quicker you are diagnosed , the better !
I know the waiting is almost unbearable. I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy at Moffitt in Tampa Dec 21, 2021, during COVID and I can’t say enough good things about the staff there. My first appt was Nov 18, 2-weeks after my diagnosis, and surgery about 5 weeks later. Hang in there. Like many doctors, my surgeon splits his week between clinical appts and surgery days so getting n for the initial visit was the biggest hurdle. Fortunately my stage 1 IDC was minor compared to what was he normally deals with there. I still drive 1 1/2 hours every year for my annual mammogram.
Breast lump/s felt. Post menopausal age. No discharge.Have had numerous mammos and ultrasounds with more than one medical facility & finally reaching out to a breast center with still no help really, not even suggesting a biopsy, although the first facility didn’t even do the ultrasound wand in the area where my dr. also felt it from just sitting beside me. The hospital was in the process of being sold at the time, but after my Dr. felt what I felt she insisted I go ahead and get mammo and ultrasound before time for my yearly screening. The pain was a burning sensation at times akin to if you felt a sunburn, but deep in the core of the breast, not consistent, but annoying ntl, then fast forward two mos. later & time for regular screening, but at a different facility since going to ob/gyn for another issue, immediately alerted to return due to a “developing asymmetry”, with all past cds and reports given for comparison, then more mammos ultrasounds, they stated “ductal ecstasia”, return 6 mos., then repeated US and mammos with dye added, which didn’t light up, stated “asymmetry”, to return in another 6 mos., but was concerned enough by then chose to just go on to the breast center, thinking surely that would resolve it, but yet another mammo and ultrasound, another upon return 6 mos.,which will be May. Now pain intermittently that isn’t necessarily a burning, but pain. Frustrated. Don’t understand. Know it’s something, but no one can apparently tell me what exactly even when I demanded to know if it’s cysts (I take evening primrose oil anyway daily, btw), or what so the burden of stress could hopefully be lifted from me, and was told by nurse practitioner that their breast cancer specialty center doesn’t do MRI’s?, which surprised me—wondering if that’s what is needed? More painful now the last couple months, but not due to return for repeats of mammo & US til May. Have considered seeing a relative who is a local surgeon, but didn’t want to open up that can of worms or to go that route if didn’t have to. Do not think carry BRCA gene (was of the opinion was tested for it prior to stereotactic biopsy on opposite breast some yrs ago(it was “ columnar cells”& has been fine ever since), however, current nurse practitioner at same breast cancer clinic states nothing in my record of such BRCA testing. but having said that, a Maternal cousin was diagnosed with a rare type breast cancer & my Paternal Aunt. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated, and prayers coveted. Thanks!
Breast lump/s felt. Post menopausal age. No discharge.Have had numerous mammos and ultrasounds with more than one medical facility & finally reaching out to a breast center with still no help really, not even suggesting a biopsy, although the first facility didn’t even do the ultrasound wand in the area where my dr. also felt it from just sitting beside me. The hospital was in the process of being sold at the time, but after my Dr. felt what I felt she insisted I go ahead and get mammo and ultrasound before time for my yearly screening. The pain was a burning sensation at times akin to if you felt a sunburn, but deep in the core of the breast, not consistent, but annoying ntl, then fast forward two mos. later & time for regular screening, but at a different facility since going to ob/gyn for another issue, immediately alerted to return due to a “developing asymmetry”, with all past cds and reports given for comparison, then more mammos ultrasounds, they stated “ductal ecstasia”, return 6 mos., then repeated US and mammos with dye added, which didn’t light up, stated “asymmetry”, to return in another 6 mos., but was concerned enough by then chose to just go on to the breast center, thinking surely that would resolve it, but yet another mammo and ultrasound, another upon return 6 mos.,which will be May. Now pain intermittently that isn’t necessarily a burning, but pain. Frustrated. Don’t understand. Know it’s something, but no one can apparently tell me what exactly even when I demanded to know if it’s cysts (I take evening primrose oil anyway daily, btw), or what so the burden of stress could hopefully be lifted from me, and was told by nurse practitioner that their breast cancer specialty center doesn’t do MRI’s?, which surprised me—wondering if that’s what is needed? More painful now the last couple months, but not due to return for repeats of mammo & US til May. Have considered seeing a relative who is a local surgeon, but didn’t want to open up that can of worms or to go that route if didn’t have to. Do not think carry BRCA gene (was of the opinion was tested for it prior to stereotactic biopsy on opposite breast some yrs ago(it was “ columnar cells”& has been fine ever since), however, current nurse practitioner at same breast cancer clinic states nothing in my record of such BRCA testing. but having said that, a Maternal cousin was diagnosed with a rare type breast cancer & my Paternal Aunt. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated, and prayers coveted. Thanks!
I am so sorry for all these frustrating experiences that you've been through:( My heart and prayers go out for you upon reading your post, for we all feel the painful helpless feeling that you are in!
Unfortunately for me, I am not a medical expert and I can't offer any adequate medical advice:( However, you did mention that one of your doctors had felt the same lump that you felt yourself; I am wondering whether you may ask that doctor to order a MRI scan for you to further investigate what exactly that lump might be? In my personal case, my PCP found that mass of BC during my annual physical exam right at her office and referred me to diagnostic Mammogram and Ultrasound. Due to the fact that I have category D of dense breast, my annual Mammogram & Ultrasound that was done 9 months prior didn't show anything abnormal. So my PCP drew a picture that clearly identified where that mass was located in her referring document. As it turned out, the diagnostic Mammogram still showed nothing abnormal at that time, and the technician performing the ultrasound told me that she couldn't see anything abnormal until she specifically focused on that exact spot that my PCP identified, then a MRI confirmed it later on. So please ask your good doctor to order the MRI for you, because both of you had felt that lump.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you all a better journey ahead!
Breast lump/s felt. Post menopausal age. No discharge.Have had numerous mammos and ultrasounds with more than one medical facility & finally reaching out to a breast center with still no help really, not even suggesting a biopsy, although the first facility didn’t even do the ultrasound wand in the area where my dr. also felt it from just sitting beside me. The hospital was in the process of being sold at the time, but after my Dr. felt what I felt she insisted I go ahead and get mammo and ultrasound before time for my yearly screening. The pain was a burning sensation at times akin to if you felt a sunburn, but deep in the core of the breast, not consistent, but annoying ntl, then fast forward two mos. later & time for regular screening, but at a different facility since going to ob/gyn for another issue, immediately alerted to return due to a “developing asymmetry”, with all past cds and reports given for comparison, then more mammos ultrasounds, they stated “ductal ecstasia”, return 6 mos., then repeated US and mammos with dye added, which didn’t light up, stated “asymmetry”, to return in another 6 mos., but was concerned enough by then chose to just go on to the breast center, thinking surely that would resolve it, but yet another mammo and ultrasound, another upon return 6 mos.,which will be May. Now pain intermittently that isn’t necessarily a burning, but pain. Frustrated. Don’t understand. Know it’s something, but no one can apparently tell me what exactly even when I demanded to know if it’s cysts (I take evening primrose oil anyway daily, btw), or what so the burden of stress could hopefully be lifted from me, and was told by nurse practitioner that their breast cancer specialty center doesn’t do MRI’s?, which surprised me—wondering if that’s what is needed? More painful now the last couple months, but not due to return for repeats of mammo & US til May. Have considered seeing a relative who is a local surgeon, but didn’t want to open up that can of worms or to go that route if didn’t have to. Do not think carry BRCA gene (was of the opinion was tested for it prior to stereotactic biopsy on opposite breast some yrs ago(it was “ columnar cells”& has been fine ever since), however, current nurse practitioner at same breast cancer clinic states nothing in my record of such BRCA testing. but having said that, a Maternal cousin was diagnosed with a rare type breast cancer & my Paternal Aunt. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated, and prayers coveted. Thanks!
@cno5 I would ask for an MRI which should tell you more. The Breast Ctr probably doesn’t do MRIs in that facility but a hospital usually has that dept.
I am so sorry for all these frustrating experiences that you've been through:( My heart and prayers go out for you upon reading your post, for we all feel the painful helpless feeling that you are in!
Unfortunately for me, I am not a medical expert and I can't offer any adequate medical advice:( However, you did mention that one of your doctors had felt the same lump that you felt yourself; I am wondering whether you may ask that doctor to order a MRI scan for you to further investigate what exactly that lump might be? In my personal case, my PCP found that mass of BC during my annual physical exam right at her office and referred me to diagnostic Mammogram and Ultrasound. Due to the fact that I have category D of dense breast, my annual Mammogram & Ultrasound that was done 9 months prior didn't show anything abnormal. So my PCP drew a picture that clearly identified where that mass was located in her referring document. As it turned out, the diagnostic Mammogram still showed nothing abnormal at that time, and the technician performing the ultrasound told me that she couldn't see anything abnormal until she specifically focused on that exact spot that my PCP identified, then a MRI confirmed it later on. So please ask your good doctor to order the MRI for you, because both of you had felt that lump.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you all a better journey ahead!
@lifetraveler Thank you for your kind response and concern. It was a general practitioner that felt it and she normally never does a breast exam during my yearly annual wellness visit. I am not sure why? She just felt it from her chair reaching to me in mine. I am now seeing a ob/gyn NP for vaginal atrophy and she did a breast exam last time. She felt the same. Dense breast tissue has been reported before, but I have also been told not. So that’s confusing, right? I will mention it again. My appt in May is a 2.5 drive to the Women’s breast specialty clinic (I have only seen NP there and not a Dr or head of radiology—maybe a radiologist that specializes in ductal ecstasia or ductal issues?)—don’t think they even have a head of radiology, sadly, at the moment, although they are a “breast facility “, but NP informed me last visit they didn’t do MRI’s there. SMH, as I can’t imagine a breast cancer center not doing that as a next step, unless it isn’t going to show anything or won’t show as well as an US/mammo combo? I’ve had soo many mammos and ultrasounds so far now, I fear that radiation as well. But, I thought breast facilities were headed in the MRI direction, but apparently not so—at least not at the nearest larger facility. It is very frustrating to have to drive 2.5 hours, and still no answers as to what this is. It leaves one with a lot of doubt in a breast specialist clinic and fear and anxiety. Even though I expressed my frustration and concern to the NP there last visit, I just got the feeling they are not caring or don’t know how to proceed perhaps? There should be someone who can figure this out. I told her look if it’s just cysts then tell me it’s that and let’s fix it, or tell me where I can go to find help. I sound also mention that I have been taking evening primrose oil for a long while now just in case if it were a cyst or cysts. The pain is worrisome to me as well. I hope putting me off doesn’t result in worse outcome. My ob/gyn said return May to see what “breast clinic” says—they are spose to know breasts right? Then we can go from there I guess. The last thing I want to lose is my breast, but I know something is wrong—just not what it is! Urrgh Again, thank you for your concern and well wishes! Be blessed! To be updated.
@cno5 I would ask for an MRI which should tell you more. The Breast Ctr probably doesn’t do MRIs in that facility but a hospital usually has that dept.
@kbk8248 Thank you for your concern and quick response. I may ask locally if I do not get better attn at breast hospital in May. I just hope putting it off doesn’t affect outcome. Blessings!
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Breast pain is one of the signs of breast cancer! Other symptoms includes:
Breast or Armpit lump: The most common manifestation of breast cancer is a lump or a thickening on the breast or armpit. Any thickened area of the breast that does not feel similar to surrounding breast tissue can be suggestive of a breast cancer. Presence of a lump or thickening in the armpit is suggestive of spread of cancer to axillary lymph nodes (situated in armpits).
Changes in skin of breast: Breast cancer can present as a redness or dimpling on the skin of breast, making it resemble an orange peel.
Changes in nipple(s): Presence of a rash around nipple can be a sign of breast cancer. Breast cancer may also lead to an inverted or sunken nipple. Any discharge from the nipple, in particular bloody discharge can be caused due to breast cancer. I read everything about breast cancer on zovon and found that if you consult a doctor at right time, it is no longer a life-threatening condition.
Others: Flaking, crusting, peeling or scaling of the skin of breast or nipple is also a sign of breast cancer.
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2 ReactionsMy only symptom was breast pain and aching. I’m 63 so the pain and aching is not harmonies and I had a hysterectomy in 2007 as well.
A nurse at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa said that ‘Yes, pain in your breast can also be a sign of cancer’.
Anything abnormal needs to be checked out. I had very uncomfortable shoulder pain and breast bone pain and swollen. Breast Cancer surgeon was so sure “95% chance it’s just a cyst”. But she ordered me an ultrasound and found out it was breast cancer. Good luck with you and don’t delay the diagnosis.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI let mine go for a year before I received any help because I understood that cancer , in general, was painless. My Breast Cancer surgeon explained that was a fallacy . Mine started with burning and sharp pain. I was diagnosed in May with DCIS (ductal carcenoma in situ) Grade 1 , very slow growing . He will do a lumpectomy and sentinel biopsy in 2 weeks. Good Luck to You. The quicker you are diagnosed , the better !
I know the waiting is almost unbearable. I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy at Moffitt in Tampa Dec 21, 2021, during COVID and I can’t say enough good things about the staff there. My first appt was Nov 18, 2-weeks after my diagnosis, and surgery about 5 weeks later. Hang in there. Like many doctors, my surgeon splits his week between clinical appts and surgery days so getting n for the initial visit was the biggest hurdle. Fortunately my stage 1 IDC was minor compared to what was he normally deals with there. I still drive 1 1/2 hours every year for my annual mammogram.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionBreast lump/s felt. Post menopausal age. No discharge.Have had numerous mammos and ultrasounds with more than one medical facility & finally reaching out to a breast center with still no help really, not even suggesting a biopsy, although the first facility didn’t even do the ultrasound wand in the area where my dr. also felt it from just sitting beside me. The hospital was in the process of being sold at the time, but after my Dr. felt what I felt she insisted I go ahead and get mammo and ultrasound before time for my yearly screening. The pain was a burning sensation at times akin to if you felt a sunburn, but deep in the core of the breast, not consistent, but annoying ntl, then fast forward two mos. later & time for regular screening, but at a different facility since going to ob/gyn for another issue, immediately alerted to return due to a “developing asymmetry”, with all past cds and reports given for comparison, then more mammos ultrasounds, they stated “ductal ecstasia”, return 6 mos., then repeated US and mammos with dye added, which didn’t light up, stated “asymmetry”, to return in another 6 mos., but was concerned enough by then chose to just go on to the breast center, thinking surely that would resolve it, but yet another mammo and ultrasound, another upon return 6 mos.,which will be May. Now pain intermittently that isn’t necessarily a burning, but pain. Frustrated. Don’t understand. Know it’s something, but no one can apparently tell me what exactly even when I demanded to know if it’s cysts (I take evening primrose oil anyway daily, btw), or what so the burden of stress could hopefully be lifted from me, and was told by nurse practitioner that their breast cancer specialty center doesn’t do MRI’s?, which surprised me—wondering if that’s what is needed? More painful now the last couple months, but not due to return for repeats of mammo & US til May. Have considered seeing a relative who is a local surgeon, but didn’t want to open up that can of worms or to go that route if didn’t have to. Do not think carry BRCA gene (was of the opinion was tested for it prior to stereotactic biopsy on opposite breast some yrs ago(it was “ columnar cells”& has been fine ever since), however, current nurse practitioner at same breast cancer clinic states nothing in my record of such BRCA testing. but having said that, a Maternal cousin was diagnosed with a rare type breast cancer & my Paternal Aunt. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated, and prayers coveted. Thanks!
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1 ReactionHi! @ cno5:
I am so sorry for all these frustrating experiences that you've been through:( My heart and prayers go out for you upon reading your post, for we all feel the painful helpless feeling that you are in!
Unfortunately for me, I am not a medical expert and I can't offer any adequate medical advice:( However, you did mention that one of your doctors had felt the same lump that you felt yourself; I am wondering whether you may ask that doctor to order a MRI scan for you to further investigate what exactly that lump might be? In my personal case, my PCP found that mass of BC during my annual physical exam right at her office and referred me to diagnostic Mammogram and Ultrasound. Due to the fact that I have category D of dense breast, my annual Mammogram & Ultrasound that was done 9 months prior didn't show anything abnormal. So my PCP drew a picture that clearly identified where that mass was located in her referring document. As it turned out, the diagnostic Mammogram still showed nothing abnormal at that time, and the technician performing the ultrasound told me that she couldn't see anything abnormal until she specifically focused on that exact spot that my PCP identified, then a MRI confirmed it later on. So please ask your good doctor to order the MRI for you, because both of you had felt that lump.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you all a better journey ahead!
@cno5 I would ask for an MRI which should tell you more. The Breast Ctr probably doesn’t do MRIs in that facility but a hospital usually has that dept.
@lifetraveler Thank you for your kind response and concern. It was a general practitioner that felt it and she normally never does a breast exam during my yearly annual wellness visit. I am not sure why? She just felt it from her chair reaching to me in mine. I am now seeing a ob/gyn NP for vaginal atrophy and she did a breast exam last time. She felt the same. Dense breast tissue has been reported before, but I have also been told not. So that’s confusing, right? I will mention it again. My appt in May is a 2.5 drive to the Women’s breast specialty clinic (I have only seen NP there and not a Dr or head of radiology—maybe a radiologist that specializes in ductal ecstasia or ductal issues?)—don’t think they even have a head of radiology, sadly, at the moment, although they are a “breast facility “, but NP informed me last visit they didn’t do MRI’s there. SMH, as I can’t imagine a breast cancer center not doing that as a next step, unless it isn’t going to show anything or won’t show as well as an US/mammo combo? I’ve had soo many mammos and ultrasounds so far now, I fear that radiation as well. But, I thought breast facilities were headed in the MRI direction, but apparently not so—at least not at the nearest larger facility. It is very frustrating to have to drive 2.5 hours, and still no answers as to what this is. It leaves one with a lot of doubt in a breast specialist clinic and fear and anxiety. Even though I expressed my frustration and concern to the NP there last visit, I just got the feeling they are not caring or don’t know how to proceed perhaps? There should be someone who can figure this out. I told her look if it’s just cysts then tell me it’s that and let’s fix it, or tell me where I can go to find help. I sound also mention that I have been taking evening primrose oil for a long while now just in case if it were a cyst or cysts. The pain is worrisome to me as well. I hope putting me off doesn’t result in worse outcome. My ob/gyn said return May to see what “breast clinic” says—they are spose to know breasts right? Then we can go from there I guess. The last thing I want to lose is my breast, but I know something is wrong—just not what it is! Urrgh Again, thank you for your concern and well wishes! Be blessed! To be updated.
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1 Reaction@kbk8248 Thank you for your concern and quick response. I may ask locally if I do not get better attn at breast hospital in May. I just hope putting it off doesn’t affect outcome. Blessings!