Tuesday, September 29, 2009 colleen asks

Q: Red Pimple on my Left Breast

I have a small red spot that seems to be a pimple on my left breast. I've seen the doctor and she said it was only on the surface and it did not resemble IBC. However, I still am worried about it becasue I've had it for over a week now. If it was a pimple shouldn't it be gone? There is no pain associated with it and I don't believe there has been anything leaking from it, but my imagination is running wild. I keep thinking I have small pains in my breast and around my areola area.

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Answers (2)

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

9/29/09 11:36am

Colleen, without this changing, there's really nothing you can do about discovering what it is. The best course is to watch it. If you have IBC (which would be a remote possibility - it's very uncommon), more of your breast will become involved. Since you seem to know about IBC, you'd reciognize those symptoms (swelling, heat, itching, redness, etc.). Unless you see something like that (in which case, you should go back to the doctor) - best to assume a minor and temporary skin irritation, OK?

abi999

10/ 4/09 7:10pm

Hello Colllen,

This is the first time am going to answer any question and I dont mean to scare you. Mine started as a small pimple and they said it was nothing and here I am with IDC. Please have an ultra sound or biospy to make sure its nothing to be worried.

TonyK

11/ 7/09 7:06pm

Hi my girl friend, my girl friend age 45, has a pimple on her left breast, it came out as insect bite, she was gardening around an area with lots of ants, termites. this was two months ago, she squeeze it and indeed it came to a head, whihc left small hole, sort of like a mini boil, it has healed but the redness is still there it is not on or near her aerole. She continues to squeeze it I think she has bruiesed it,its saturday, of course the doctors offices are closed there are no lumps itching scaliness, burning, or ozziness, she is scared to death any comments please, what is IBC and IDC

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

11/ 7/09 8:27pm

Hi Tony - a small pimple that you can squeeze, and which then heals doesn't sound like cancer. It sounds like a skin irritation. She might try treating it like you'd treat a small infection: absolutely stop squeezing it; treat with hot compresses; put some antibiotic cream on it; and if that doesn't do the trick within a few days, she should see a doctor, OK? Good luck - PJH

nanaofsix

1/28/13 5:31am

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

1/28/13 6:04am

Hi - This site is actively monitored, and if you have a question, we'll be happy to answer it. We look forward to hearing from you - PJH

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

1/28/13 6:04am

Hi - This site is actively monitored, and if you have a question, we'll be happy to answer it. We look forward to hearing from you - PJH

Karli Jae

12/11/11 10:37am

I am 23 I have a high rate of breast cancer in my family 2 of maternal aunts have had breast cancer one was cells and the other was full mastectomy and radiation. My maternal grandmother has ovarian cancer. My mother hasnt gone to get checked. I want her to but I believe she is scared to go.

Two weeks ago I started to have a pimple like thing on my side left breast kind of close to my nipple. I went in for an annual female check up and she felt something hard on my right breast. She also said mine looked like a pimple also. I have never had a pimple on my breast before and its not underneath like a clogged sweat gland or something.

About a week ago the pimple like thing started to oozing like yellowish green it is still there and red now but it doensnt hurt. I havent had the lump checked on my right breast until in Janurary due to insurance issues.

I know I am young but the doctor has said that with my history she wants me to go in.

Please if you could I am also new to this. Any reply to help calm my fears.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

12/12/11 5:24am

Hi Karlie - It's possible to get a pimple or boil on your breast, and this is probably exactly what this is. Keep it clean, dry, and as cool as possible; switch to a camisole rather than a bra, if possible, while it heals. Some antibiotic cream might be a help. If it doesn't disappear within a week or so - or certainly if it gets worse - then best to go back and see a doctor, OK?

As for the lump - breast lumps are quite common, and, at your age, are very seldom anything to worry about. Fibrocystic change can produce cysts and fibroadenomas (benign breast tumors), and it often affects women in their 20s and 30s. Even if you ejnd up having a mammogram that shows something suspicious, and you need a biopsy - about 85% of breast biopsies are negative - no cancer. So the odds are definitely in your favor.

With your family history, your risk of breast cancer is increased somewhat; but it's still extremely low, especially at age 23. That said, kudos to you for being aware of this potential health issue, and for doing something about it. Best of luck - I hope your appointment in January allays your fears. PJH

Q: Red Pimple on my Left Breast

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