Bruise on breast, freaking out.

Back in December, my mom noticed a bruise on the side of my left breast while I was wearing a dress. I would've never noticed if she didn't say anything. I noticed on my right breast there's what looks like a bruise (almost in the same area) except it's very faded and hard to see. I put random ointment I had at home on it but nothing so I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago. At first look, she said she thinks it's a fungal infection so she gave me a cream for 2 weeks which I've been using. I don't think I've noticed any serious changes besides it getting somewhat lighter (but I can't be positive honestly cause sometimes it looks lighter, sometimes the same. Im 24, african american, the only disease in my family is diabetes (both of my parents) but that's it. Prior to going to the doctor, I had a lot of itching around my breast and body as a whole. I also experienced some sharp pain in the breast that same week. Idk if I was psyching myself out but at the time I was also having shoulder pain (none now). Since I've been using the cream, the itching has decreased ALOT and now it just happens randomly (like twice a day for 2 secs), so nothing like before. When I itched it of course I had redness but now I don't since I'm not as itchy. This week, I've noticed a small lumpy feeling near the bruise. It feels solid and when I press down on it, it hurts a little as if I had hurt it before. My period will be starting this week so idk if that's related.
I also want to add, I had a similar experience in HS (about 8 years ago). I had shoulder pain and I felt a lump. Had an ultrasound and was told it was breast tissue. This is the first time I've had a similar issue since then. The bruise along with this shoulder pain is what has me freaking out the most. Does anyone experience this or have any idea? My follow-up is this week so I might get sent to do an ultrasound but any idea on what this could be? Google has been telling me the worst things. P.S it's my first time posting on here. I tried to Attach a pic below but I don't see it.

I thought I attached to the doc but I guess I didnt.

Hi @queenlala101, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. This is an online forum for patients to connect with one another for information and to give and get support. Naturally, as fellow patients, we cannot offer a diagnosis. But I can assure you that you're doing the right thing by consulting with a medical professional. I'm glad that you are going for an appointment next week to follow up with your doctor.

As you know, our breasts go through many changes with our cycle and at different stages of life. Being breast aware is really important and I'm glad you and your mom noticed these recent changes.

I get it. This is scary and you're freaking out, but there may be a very simple explanation for these abnormalities. It sounds like searching on Google is not helpful for you right now. I might suggest trying not to get too wrapped up in worry (easier said than done). Instead get involved in things you enjoy. What might you be able to do this weekend to calm or distract yourself?

@queenlala01 Let me add my welcome to Mayo Clinic connect! I echo what @colleenyoung said: stay away from "Dr. Google" for now. OMG, I got so much information, some fitting my situation, much of it not, when I did that for a health question!

Your doctor will have your chart and past history, all good to help you figure this out. Take time now to write down what you said here, or print out your posts to refer to. It will help to paint a clear picture. And you are staying on top of it all, knowing where you are in your cycle, how long the bruising lasts, etc. Have you tried a warm compress to ease the bruising?

Oh, and Mayo Clinic Connect will not allow you to attach a picture for the first couple of weeks you sign up. It's a security thing. But, please come back and let me know what the doctor says, okay?
Ginger

Sorry I don’t know anything about your breast problem but my dermatologist told me to never put anything on my skin because it could make the problem worse. Sincere good luck with your breast issue. Also, when you google, I hope you are going on reliable sires such as this one,

@queenlala01 Yep, replying to my own post. Go figure!

Last night as I went through awake spell, I was thinking about your dilemma, and hoping you have been able to relax a bit. My mind came up with a few more things to consider"
- Do you wear an underwire bra, that may be irritating the breast tissue? Perhaps it is wearing thin in an area and while doing its job, it is uncomfortable. We often wear undergarments beyond their life expectancy because we like the color or the job they do.
- Do you have a sports activity that may cause pressure in a certain area due to additional protection? I am thinking like a catcher's vest used in softball/baseball. or crash vest used in snow sports/dirtbike sports. They aren't worn but ever-so-often, and the movement you do with them might cause bruising that wouldn't appear right away.
- Perhaps you might recall doing a hard bump into a doorway or other surface? I am on steroids in my chemo, and get red bruises/ irritations realllly easily on my arms. Often my first comment is, "oh, that will leave a mark" and it does! [Goes away in a week or so, but nasty to look at meanwhile!] But also I get deep muscle bruising that finds its way to the surface, presenting a black-and-blue mark, often I cannot recall what I ran into several days before.

How are you doing, today?
Ginger

Hey Ginger! It's funny you asked about the underwire bra. Back in September/October, I started using a new company and purchased 2 bra's with them. The wire was so annoying and made me uncomfortable to the point where I stopped wearing that completely and switched back to my old ones. The wire just felt like it was pushing against my skin and oftentimes I would find myself pulling it away to get some relief. Also regarding me hitting something, nothing comes to mind but I can't say 100% that I haven't because I've had those moments where I do. I am doing much better today. Staying positive and I purchased a Heat/Cold pack that I will be testing before I sleep tonight. Thank you so much for checking, means a lot!

@queenlala101

I do not want to scare you…. more than likely you have an infection or something with a muscle going on. .. but it could be something more.

I have a niece who had inflammatory breast cancer. .. she is now 38 years old has 7 children and the oldest is 15. She has been cancer free for a couple of years now. This type of breast cancer is very aggressive and advances quickly.

My advice is to have a breast exam and mammogram. See a gynecologist that specializes in breast if possible.

Again more than likely you have an infection … or even an inflamed shoulder muscle or tendon causing this (which would be referred pain).

Meanwhile take notes of what makes it feel better or worse. Take photos to document changes to show your doctors. You will probably see changes for the good.

Our bodies are amazing and confusing. .. and so is Dr. Google. So best to see an expert in their field doctor. … and come to forums like this for support.

ZeeGee

Just wanted to update you all: I reached out to my doctor and had a mammogram + ultrasound done today (as requested). They didn't see anything on the ultrasound. After the mammogram, I was told my doctor will follow up with me but they didn't see anything either. I'm not sure what the chances are of anything changing once my doctor takes a look but, I am still using my fungal cream. My only worry is not knowing when to check up again since it's nothing serious. Also, I haven't experience any itching in over a week.

@queenlala101 Thanks for getting back to us! You know the saying "better safe than sorry", right? So, I am siding with you that there is nothing serious going on. Follow your doctor's guidance as far as a recheck. I hope this has eased your anxiety a bit? How do you feel about what you have been told so far?
Ginger