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Monday, July 20, 2009 mummyofnearly4 asks

Q: worried i have breast cancer,please help

Hi

I am a little worried and would like some advice.

My right breast is tender and sometimes feels like a crushing pain which spreads to just under my shoulders,it is sore to the touch but is not always painful.The nipple on my right breast is also very tender and i can not bear to touch it and also the colour of my nipple has changed and is a little darker than the left nipple,it is like a bruised colour.I have no lumps on or around my breast,nipple or underarm but i am so very worried that i have breast cancer,do you think this is what i could have?

I am a 29 year old married mum of 3 children and i am very worried,i do not smoke and hardly ever drink but i am currently 26 weeks pregnant but i have had these symptoms since before i got pregnant but in the last few months they have got worse.

I know you are unable to diagnose me but given what i have told you,i am hoping you will be able to give me some percentage of if you think i could have breast cancer.

many thanks

Helen.

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Answers (2)
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
7/20/09 6:41pm

Hi Helen - Sounds to me like you could be experiencing fibrocystic change, which is very common in women your age and characterized by pain, often due to a cyst. As you're seeing a doctor anyway for your pregnancy (I hope), you should mention these symptoms to him/her. There are tests they can do to see if you have a cyst, or what might be causing this pain. Does it sound like breast cancer? No, it doesn't. Breast cancer usually doesn't include pain as a symptom. But do ask your OB/GYN about this, OK? Good luck - PJH

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Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
7/20/09 7:25pm

Although you have had some of these symptoms since before you were pregnant, pregnancy can't be the main cause; but the hormones associated with pregnancy may be intensifying the situation.  A color change in the nipple is common during pregnancy, too.  Pain is not usually a breast cancer symptom, but it can be one early symptom of a rare type of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).  Usually IBC advances rapidly, so if you had it, you would probably also be seeing swelling, skin dimpling, and other symptoms.  Of course, the IBC symptoms overlap with pregnancy breast changes, and you would expect to see pregnancy-induced changes on both sides.  

 

Since this is just on the right side, you might also consider whether you are straining the muscles under the breast (maybe lifting one of your other children?).  I think a little concern, but no panic, would be about right.  Be sure to let your prenatal care provider know what's happening.  Talk over changes in your physical routines, personal care products, and so forth with him or her to brainstorm some more about possible causes.  If your symptoms get worse, don't hesitate to ask for a referral to a breast specialist.  And don't worry about the baby; tests and treatments for breast cancer can be planned so as not to harm him or her.  I think everything will check out fine, but you'll be able to enjoy your pregnancy more if you know what's causing this pain.

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By mummyofnearly4— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 07/20/09