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Monday, November 17, 2008 kailee asks

Q: I been having this awful itch on my left breast, that has caused a red rash, and feels very warm

It has been happening for about a little over a month now. I do have cysts in my breast though, that I thought maybe it was caused by that. I went to my doctor and had him check, thinking he would give me a mammogram but he didn't and kind of brushed it off saying it was just my cysts. Should I be worried that it could be cancer?

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Answers (2)
Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
11/17/08 7:58pm

Kailee, 

You do need to find out what is causing this problem.  Itching, redness, and warmth in the breast could be an infection like mastitis (especially if the itching and redness seem to be coming from within the breast).  It could be a fungal type infection (especially if the itching and redness are on top of the skin.)  It could be some type of minor skin irritation (apparently that what your doctor is leaning towards).  It could also be a type of breast cancer called IBC for inflammatory breast cancer.  If your symptoms come and go, watch and see if you can figure out the trigger.  If your symptoms are constant or growing worse, either go back to your current doctor or see someone else.  Cysts can be painful, but I haven't heard of them causing redness and warmth.  Did your doctor do an ultrasound to be sure that the problem is cysts?

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11/26/08 11:32pm

hello kailee. im a cancer survivor since june of 2007. please listen to you instincts and get that mamogram. susan komen offers free mammograms at county hospitals. are you a young lady? is there any history in your family? drs are not always right. we women need to stay strong and get that mamogram. sounds to me like u need a second opinion. u sould always, if possible, get a second opinion.  please keep in touch. i was in your shoes. had to basicaly educate myself. God Bless email me at nanettehazelton@yahoo.comt 

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By kailee— Last Modified: 07/04/12, First Published: 11/17/08