lump removed, no chemo or rads, diagnostic mammos ever since. Had discomfort in Feb. Family doc said she felt a cyst, sent me for diag and ultrasound. Radiologist said all was fine--no need for the ultrasound. Last couple of months have had stinging, tingling in that breast--mostly close to nipple. Do I pester my doc to go get yet another mammo, decided I'm just a hypochondriac, or pretend it's my imagination?
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with ExpertsSponsored Offer
- Resources
Q: I too having a stinging, tingling pain in my right breast. I had breast cancer nine years ago,
Answers (1)
10/ 5/09 12:14pm
First of all, I'm surprised you didn't have any treatment beyond surgery for your cancer 9 years ago. No radiation, no tamoxifen, nothing but surgery? Sounds odd. Second, how was the radiologist able to judge it was "fine" without doing anything? If s/he didn't do an ultrasound - what did s/he do other than look at you? My opinion, ask for an ultrasound (which would rule in/out a cyst); and if this pain has been going on longer than a month, and your next mammogram is still months away, ask about the possibility of moving it up. If you're still seeing your oncologist, I'd contact him/her about how best to proceed, too. Good luck - PJH
10/ 5/09 1:10pm
Well, that makes me feel better, that the cancer was so tiny - I can understand why you just needed surgery, that sounds fine. In general, pain isn't a breast cancer symptom; and if you had a mammogram in May 08 and a followup in Feb. 09 and there was nothing showing (no mammogram in May 09, I assume?) - and your radiologist now tells you things are fine - then I'd guess they are. You may be experiencing some hormonal issues - are you close to menopause, perhaps? At any rate, continue to monitor. If your breast suddenly seems infected (swollen, hot, red, itchy, more painful), then definitely ask for some further testing. But unless/until you find a lump or something else develops, like inflammatory breast cancer (and you don't say how long you've been experiencing this pain?) - there's really nothing further they can test. Stay in touch here, though, OK? I'd like to know that this eventually goes away with no problem. Good luck - PJH
10/ 5/09 1:41pm
You're just too nice!
Just fyi--not what you would call "close" to menopause. That is to say, I'm 67 and had my last period 15 years ago. :) Mostly that's a good thing! I lost a friend to IBC so I am aware of those symptoms.
I will stay in touch, and again, thanks for answering.
10/ 5/09 4:40pm
Yeah, I guess you're not "close" to menopause anymore! As you say, mostly a good thing. So long as you've got good bone density? And you know about IBC, so... just watch and wait, I guess. I think your body will give you some more specific indicaitons if there's indeed something to worry about. Thanks for connecting, Diane - PJ
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By Diane— Last Modified: 12/02/10, First Published: 10/05/09
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thanks. I so appreciate the response.
I didn't have an oncologist, only a surgeon specializing in breast. She was wonderful! However, the tumor was under 3 mm., hence quite tiny--found only as a microcalcification and which all were sure was benign until I had a stereotactical biopsy (such fun!) and the margins were clear, etc., etc.
The radiologist did more than look at me actually -- I had a diag mammo in Feb and she said I didn't need the ultrasound because there was no change in the films from the previous May. I didn't push it at the time. Perhaps I should now.