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Friday, August 01, 2008 Marie Cleary asks

Q: my doctor says the lump I found is probably an inflamed cyst. She recommends vitamin E and Ibuprofen

I have a painful area under the aerola.  I feel the lump when I am lying on my stomach. My doctor feels it is a clogged duct or a cyst and should resolve with vitamim E and Ibuprofen for two weeks. If the pain and lump are still there, she will order a sonogram. Should I wait that long?

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Answers (3)
Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
8/ 2/08 6:42am

Marie, cysts and clogged ducts can be painful and do often resolve on their own without medical intervention, so a two-week wait seems reasonable if this is a new development.  Painful lumps are not usually cancer.  If you have had the symptom for months and have just gotten around to checking with the doctor, then you probably need to push for an earlier sonogram.  You are the only person who knows your tolerance for uncertainty.  If you are going to worry yourself sick about this, considered calling back and asking for an earlier sonogram.  If the lump gets bigger or if you develop new symptoms like a fever, redness, or swelling, call immediately.  A fever could be a sign of infection.  Redness and swelling can also indicate a fever or a type of cancer called inflammatory breast cancer.  I hope the ibuprofen and Vitamin E do the trick.

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Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
8/ 3/08 7:08am

Whoops!  I typed the wrong word in my previous answer (see above).  It should read, "Redness and swelling can also indicate either an infection or a type of cancer called inflammatory breast cancer." 

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8/ 3/08 6:26pm

Completely agree with Phyllis.  I would push for a sonogram if it does not resolve.  Breast cancer is not a medical emergency - it IS an emotional emergency.  I simply mean that 2 weeks or 4 or 6 is not going to change the outcome if it is breast cancer.  If it is an infection, it will progress and you will know it.  If it resolves itself, then no worries.  Way to be in control though!  Know your breasts and you will always be aware of what is different for you!

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By Marie Cleary— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 08/01/08