Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with Experts

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 jade asks

Q: change in one breast/nipple over past 2 years. Now full 2 cups larger than other breast!!

i noticed a change in my right breast about 3 years ago. i had a solid lump about the size of a grape located in the outer side of my right breast almost in my armpit. it continued to grow and began to change the appearance of my right breast. This was only slightly visibly under my clothing but more concerning, I noticed the areola of this breast also increased in size and took on a larger "puffy" appearance while also growing paler in color. i went to my obgyn who did breast exam and declared it was normal lumps or fibrocystic cysts. One year later both the lump and nipple in my right breast had continued to grow. i went in for a mammogram and then ultrasound. Suspicious masses were seen on the mammogram and they ordered a ultrasound. Again, it was declared to be just a cyst again. the doctor said they could do a needle biopsy but the mass was the size of a tangerine and they would not be able to "identify the center of it". Now almost 3 years later, my right breast is a full 2 cups sizes larger than the left - a D when my left side is a B cup. the areola on this breast is also much larger, a different shape and much paler in color. I also recently notice a small cluster of tags appearing on the actual nipple of my right breast which are sore and painful. i have been to several doctors and frustrated that this is all deemed "normal" or due to fibrocystic changes. i am contemplating plastic surgery just but my health is my first priority. Is this normal??? I am otherwise a healthy 33 year old woman. No children and no meds other than nuvaring for BC which I have been on for 7-8 years.
Please advise!

Answer This
Answers (1)
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
5/19/10 6:28am

Jade, the best way to figure out what's going on here is to see a breast specialist. Please ask your doctor for a referral. Since breast specialists are often found at cancer centers, you may have to travel to a different facility, but it'll be worth it, to finally find out for sure what's causing this swelling, and to determine how to treat it. Good luck - PJH

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.

By jade— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 05/19/10