Thursday, May 31, 2012
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with Experts

Sunday, November 30, 2008 nlh asks

Q: Pain in left breast with severe nipple pain...

I am a 43 yo women, I had a hysterectomy (left the ovaries) 4 years ago.  Over the last month I started having severe pain in my left armpit that hurt to put my arm down or touch.  The pain is now in my left breast and nipple.  My left breast is swollen, it hurts touch it, have clothes rub on it etc.  The nipple is extremely painful too.  My breast feels very heavy and firm, I can get some relief by hold it up or putting an exercise bra on.  I am concerned because my grandmother had a very aggressive form of breast cancer and needed a radical mastectomy, including surrounding lymph nodes.  I had a neuroma tumor removed from my sciatic nerve in 99.  I feel a density around the areola and some around the outer part of my breast closest to my armpit.  I feel a small bump under an area between my breasts that has been persistent for about the last year.   I had an augmentation in 2003 but have never had any complications.  I also had a lymph node removed from under my right armpit in 98 that was benign.  Should I be concerned?  I appreciate any advice you can give me.  Thank you in advance.

 

Answer This
Answers (1)
Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
11/30/08 5:04pm

Pain and swelling can be symptoms of an infection, and they can also be symptoms of an aggressive form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer.  If you had the swelling on both sides, then a hormonal issue might be likely. I'd suggest calling the doctor in the morning unless you are running a fever.  In that case I'd suggest calling immediately.  Severe pain needs to be checked out, especially if it is spreading.  Let us know what the doctor says.  It's too soon to panic about this being cancer, but you need to find out what is going on.

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (6580) >
By nlh— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 11/30/08