About 3 weeks ago i noticed a spot in my bra from a discharge ( reddish-brown), have not seen it before that day or even since that day. My doctor did a routine breast examine, he squeezed and got a sample of what came out of my nipple, and he did blood work. All came out fine. Now he has scheduled a mammogram for this week. Praying all is well. I searched on computer for symptons of the itching and discharge, of course breast cancer came up but also it listed medicines and other things that could cause this. Well Atenolol was listed. It was about 3 months ago that my medical dr switch my bloodpressure medicine to atenolol. I have not been sleeping well at night at all for a few months and thats not like me. That was also listed as a side effect. Could this medicine be my problem? I have recently called my medical dr and he has changed medicine again but hadnt been but 4 days and cant tell a difference yet. since i saw my doctor almost 2 weeks ago, i have developed a rash on that breast near the nipple. every now and then my right breast will slightly itch but nothing compared to my left breast.
Q: I am 39 years old. My left nipple seriously itches for over 3 months now.
A medication change could cause the symptoms you mention, but since this is a breast change on just on one side that has lasted more than a month, you also need to be evaluated to rule out breast cancer. Paget's Disease of the Breast is a type of breast cancer that is characterized by a scaly, itchy rash on the nipple. It looks like eczema, so while most of the time an eczema-like rash on the nipple is eczema, it is important to have an expert look at it to make sure that it isn't cancer. It sounds like your doctor is taking your symptoms seriously and ordering the appropriate tests. I hope that adjusting your medication takes care of the problem.
Went for mammogram today and nothing was detected on those test. Now waiting for follow-up with doctor. All test so far are not showing anything. Praying everything else is fine.
God news, Antionette - so glad your mammogram was clear. I do hope they get to the bottom of this soon, so you can get some closure. Keep us updated, OK? Take care- PJH
Thanks so much and i will.
Antionette, it's good you're seeing a doctor about this, and have had some tests. I'm sure if s/he thinks there's a possibility of cancer, you'll have additional followup tests. We're not doctors here, simply well-read breast cancer survivors; so can't advise you about whether or not these symptoms could be related to your medication. But do follow up with your doctor to find out just what might be causing the discharge and rash, OK? This all qualifies as a breast change, and breast changes should be diagnosed (and treated, if necessary); you don't just ignore them and hope they go away on their own. Good luck - PJH
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Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question. I am thankful that my dr is following with these test. If mammogram is ok, he said he would take some type of skin test from my breast. I recently lost 30 pounds and the blood pressure medicine that i was originally taking became too strong and my prssure was dropping to low, therefore he changed me to the atenolol. at first i just assumed that the itching was associated with the weight loss but after the discharge i became really concerned.