Hello, I am 26, never pregnant, and never found any lumps before. Two weeks ago, I began to have a painful lump underneath my areola. At first I thought it was an ingrown hair, but it became swollen, red, painful, and hot to the touch. I also had painfully large swollen glands under both arms (first on the side of the breast lump). I also had a slight fever.
My doctor put me on an antibiotic, which seemed to help in terms of the fever and the glands, as well as the swelling in the breast. The antibiotics have now run their course, and the glands seem to have almost completely returned to normal, and the inflammation in the breast went away. However, I still do have a non-painful lump under the areola. In addition, I have been feeling quite run down lately.
My ultrasound didn't show anything - the radiologist said that nothing came up at all, and he told me that it was likely an abscess and that I shouldn't worry. My doctor seems to be concerned, though, and told me that since the lump was still there, I will likely need to see a specialist. My question is: is it possible to have a breast infection and something else (cyst, cancer, etc.?) because it seems that my condition was caused at least in part by an infection since the antibiotics helped a lot? I have tried searching online and I haven't found the same combination of symptoms all in once place! I am starting to get really nervous :(
Thanks.



PJH


Thank you so much for your response - it made me feel much better! I am seeing the doctor again next week, but I am wondering what I should expect if/when I see the breast surgeon.