Is Breast Pain a Sign of Breast Cancer?

@cno5 update: still no MRI from the nurse practitioner at the breast specialty clinic. Was told they did not do them, although was told by another patient that they do? Confused. No explanation for what it might be either— just to follow up again in another year for a repeat mammo and ultrasound, after both being done yet again this summer. I don’t think they know what we are dealing with exactly. Frustrated. No return phone calls from the Patient Relations Dept. either after several attempts, as wanted to request an appointment with a dr., and pain and burning at times still. Also, how can so much radiation from repeats mammos and ultrasounds be good for one?

Hi! @cno5 :

I am so sorry for your frustrating experience that has been lasting so long:! I truly can't understand that the Women’s breast specialty clinic that you went to in May still could not provide you with a reasonable explanation of that mysterious Breast lump that both you and your GP felt, and sent you away without any further investigation nor resolution. Have you noticed any changes on that lump so far? I am so sorry for what you've been through:(

Not knowing your local environment regarding healthcare, I am wondering whether your GP (general practitioner) may refer you to a hospital for an MRI scan? I assume your GP serves the role of PCP (Primary Care Physician) as in the US; my PCP can refer me to any further tests - including CT scan or MRI - when she sees the needs. I may be wrong, sorry... Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, pray that you'll find the best resolution with the proper help soon to resolve this issue.

@lifetraveler The burning turned to pain, then burning and pain both, at times - no specific pattern as to when - can be out dining, for example, and it will start. Sadly, I’m getting used to the burning/pain sensations by now. The only thing they told me to do at the breast specialty clinic was to double up on primrose oil and add vitamin E tablets, which I have done, taking two primrose oil and one vitamin E daily (I already take a women’s over 50 one a day vitamin), but I can’t tell any difference. I can’t get my head around them not ordering an MRI—to put my mind at ease if nothing else? Obviously, there is no concern for any additional radiation from the mammos being expressed, and they keep having me come back for them and ultrasounds, so exposure from an MRI isn’t it. I am unsure if insurance protocol is an issue or not for them, but when I inquired about it on my own, my insurance said if it is medically necessary or ordered, no problem covering it. The last mammo and ultrasound done showed no change according to the breast specialty clinic and they did both this time -a bilateral screening and the diagnostic on left one that is the problem. I reported back to my PCP who said they probably think it’s nothing concerning, but that they should be able to do an MRI at a breast cancer specialty clinic, and that it could possibly be some sort of nerve issue? I hope & pray it isn’t something slow growing or DCIS or hiding behind a cyst or group of cysts. I asked them previously to just tell me if it was a cyst or cysts or not for my peace of mind, and I stated to the nurse, that as a specialty breast clinic, they should be able to tell the difference, but they apparently do not know? Regardless, I am still on the merry go round and left hanging for another year, when they want me to return for yet another diagnostic mammo and ultrasound. I travel about 2.5 hours to the nearest breast specialty clinic, as I live in a small TN town of about 10k population. Most critical patients are flown out to the bigger city 2.5 hours away via helicopter. I was so hopeful that I could put this behind me once and for all, and certainly by now. Prayers are so appreciated, and so thankful for past ones that have been felt. God Bless You!