itchy breast
i just read an article abouth itchy breasts being a dangerous form of cancer. my right breast has had a very annoying itch for a while now. I mentioned it to my dr. and he didnt seemed very concerned. it does NOT have any crusty sores nor do I seem to have a rash, but it wont stop itching..now after i get to scratching , it turns red, but thats just because of me.. do i need to see the dr again???
Itchy breasts can be a symptom of cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and Paget's disease of the breast are two forms of breast cancer that may include itching as a symptom. However, itching can also be a symptom of dry skin, irritation, an allergy, and plenty of other problems that aren't dangerous. IBC usually presents with a combination of symptoms like swelling, redness, dimpling, pain, and/or itching. Most people have several symptoms that develop quickly. Paget's usually has a scaly rash around the nipple. If the only symptom you have is itching, and if you have checked with the doctor, I don't think you need to get another opinion. If you do develop new symptoms, be assertive in getting your doctor to do some tests to find out exactly what is going on.
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Phyllis Johnson
Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Usually a problem that is "on and off" is not likely to be cancer, which tends to get worse, not better. Nevertheless, given the fact that the problem doesn't seem to clear up completely, I'd suggest a doctor visit. If your income is too high for your local free clinics, call around to several family practice doctors and find out how much a physical will cost. Since you'll be paying for this out of pocket, you had just as well get everything checked out at once. If you don't have enough money to pay right now, ask if they will take payments over time. This is the kind of expense that also makes sense to put on a credit card because the cost of preventive care is so much less than the cost of treating a illness that has gotten out of control. If the doctor does think that you need a mammogram, it will be easier for you to get into a free mammogram program at his recommendation.
I recommend you seek a second opinion from a dermatologist, the one with complete residency training on dermatology course. A skin biopsy report of the area could give you the answer, or lead the attending physician for any additional needed work-up.
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Although Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and Paget's disease of the breast are two forms of breast cancer that may include itching as a symptom, it is unlikely a be a symptom of cancer. IBC is associated with other symptoms such as inverted nipple, soreness, swelling or sudden enlargement, aching, swollen lymph nodes under the arm, etc. Paget's usually has the rash around the nipples. You need to see a dermatologist and have a skin biopsy done. This is likely caused from an allergic reaction and it could be a new soap, cosmetic or a new bra. Formaldehyde is often used as a fabric finisher and is considered a probable human carcinogen by the EPA and is also a known allergen. If you stop and think about it you may have purchased a new bra recently or perhaps even switched laundry detergents.
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Mr Bob
Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 07:28 PM
My wife had the same issues. I tried double cycle rinsing in the washing machine. That gave her relief. Then I knew it was the water or the soap not being rinsed good enough. Then I tried washing twice. Once with soap and the second without adding any soap. That gave 4 rinses. That helped even more.
We have hard water here. That's not good either. I installed a water softner to soften the water to get a better rinse. Now she doesn't have that problem any more. She had bump's under her bra strap from the soap mixing with her sweat. That's pretty well gone now too.
Besure your water softner isn't set to high. That'll add salt to. You can check that in the sink. Fill the sink with hot water and rinse out a wash rag. If you see suds in the water, you have it set to high.
Some laundry soaps are pretty harsh and don't rinse well.
Good luck. Do some experimenting on soaps and water hardness.
Understand Your Pathology Report
Get past the medical jargon and know the facts about your breast cancer diagnosis.
I've had the same problem, but on and off for several months (on the nipple and ariola). I also get a pain that radiates through my breast. This is only in my left breast. I don't have a regular doctor or insurance and my husband makes too much to get any help--does anyone have suggestions on how to get this checked? Oh and I am 33 years old so I don't know if I am too young for any of the free mammogram programs if it were a possibility of cancer.