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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

Is breast pain always a sign of something sinister?

53 replies

TheOriginalFAB · 14/05/2011 13:41

I had a lump in my left breast which went of its own accord and didn't show anything bad on a scan I had. That breast has got noticeably bigger than the other one but not enough for me to see a GP as most people have one bigger than the other.

However, for the last couple of days I have had a pain in my breast and it feels almost like a marble but there is no lump.

I am sure everyone would say go to the GP but ime they send you away to see if it is linked to your periods. Mine finished a day or so before the pain started.

OP posts:

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themildmanneredjanitor · 14/05/2011 13:42

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheOriginalFAB · 14/05/2011 13:44

It has been a long while that it has been bigger than the other. In that case, do I still need to be checked?

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TheOriginalFAB · 14/05/2011 14:14

Just a look on the breast cancer website and I have 3 of the symptoms of breast cancer. Can it wait until Monday to see someone or should I go to out of hours doctor today?

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TheOriginalFAB · 14/05/2011 14:30

I am seeing a doctor at 3.45pm.

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MrsKwazii · 14/05/2011 14:42

Sorry you're scared OFab, hope Doctor is sympathetic and gives you some good advice. They or your GP should send you to the local breast unit for some more checks just to make sure. Should be within the next fortnight as I recall.

I've had breast pain before - in breast and going up into armpit - and had it checked out. I also have one breast larger than other. For me, it turned out to be a few small cysts. It was a worrying time but my HCPs were great, hope yours are too. Take care

TheOriginalFAB · 14/05/2011 14:45

I have checked and it is 4 symptoms .

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smallwhitecat · 14/05/2011 14:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

TheOriginalFAB · 14/05/2011 15:10

Thank you. I have to go in a few minutes.

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RichTeaAreCrap · 14/05/2011 17:44

How did you get on FAB?

TheOriginalFAB · 14/05/2011 18:04

Thankfully the doctor happened to be one I had seen before and he is lovely. He said the breast causing the problem is nodular but it felt benign. He couldn't feel any lumps and the difference in size is fine. If I get this after my next period I have to go back and see my GP. He said to check while I have my next period which is different from the advice on the breast care website but I will do both. I have taken paracetomol but it hasn't taken the pain away.

Thanks for asking .

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RichTeaAreCrap · 14/05/2011 18:12

well at least it sounds nothing to worry about if he couldn't feel any lumps. Yes, do both checks so you have covered everything.
Hope the pain goes away soon and try to relax (easy to say I know)

TheOriginalFAB · 14/05/2011 18:15

I have to hold my breast as I can't bear it touching my bra. I have never had this before.

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Elibean · 14/05/2011 18:54

Is it hot, or red, or itchy? If it is, or becomes any of those things, go back to your GP.

I get breast pain sometimes, usually in the same spot - its been diagnosed by my breast consultant as hormonal lumpiness (even though I'm post meno now!) but by another one, ages ago, as costochondriasis: its not the actual breast, in other words, but a rib joint behind it which flares up sometimes and can be very painful.

Try taking nurofen (antiinflammatory) instead of paracetamol, but go back if it gets worse.

TheOriginalFAB · 14/05/2011 19:01

It doesn't feel hot and isn't itchy. There is a bit of a red bit but I wondered if that was from me holding it. I have had a itchy nipple on the other breast the other week.

I can't talk nurofen but hopefully the paracetomol will eventually kick in.

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TheOriginalFAB · 22/05/2011 21:28

I am noting this so I can keep a track. My other nipple was aching today and tonight in the shower it felt like there was something there when I had my arm down but DH said he couldn't feel anything. It hurt when he pressed though.

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TheOriginalFAB · 23/05/2011 07:44

This morning I feel like there is a marble in one breast and I have pins jabbing me under the opposite arm pit.

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belleshell · 23/05/2011 08:13

do u have more faith in your own GP. if so go today, even if they just give u something for the discomfort......it sounds like you are driving yourself crazy with worry ( which im sure i would too) maybe just another check up will put your mind at rest. A GP would ratheryou went back for more advice!

take care ((hugs))

TheOriginalFAB · 23/05/2011 08:22

TBH the OOH GP I saw is one I knew years ago and the only one who believed me that there was something wrong with DD so I do have faith in him. He said to wait until my next period to see if it was still the same, but my period finished more than a week ago. TBH my head is spinning with other stuff so I will see how I am later. Thanks for replying.

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cakesandale · 23/05/2011 10:17

I think you should ask for a referral. I say this because, IME, a clear mammogram is a LOT more comforting than the 'it's probably nothing' you get from a GP.

In answer to your OP, breast pain is not always a sign of something sinister, in fact it is usually a sign of something non sinister. BC is usually painless in the early stages. On the other hand, BC does not always feel like a lump, either. So it is pretty hard to be sure what is going on. For this reason, and
for your longer-term peace of mind (and I really do think the odds are stacked way in your favour), I reckon you should press for a referral if the symptoms persist.

TheOriginalFAB · 23/05/2011 11:44

I agree but feel I need to wait until after my next period as that is what was advised and I am sure my GP would say the same.

I could consider going privately. I am waiting to discuss it with a friend who has experience.

Thank you.

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TheOriginalFAB · 24/05/2011 16:42

This is a record for me now.

Itchy breasts today and tomorrow.
Weird feeling under my arm pit like the pain it would be if I dry shaved it.

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TheOriginalFAB · 30/05/2011 18:44

Pain in left breast like a hard lump is there but nothing on examination.
Itchy right breast.

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pinkstarlight · 30/05/2011 21:54

you really need to go back and ask to be refered to the breast clinic to put your mind at rest,dont panic as 80% of cases turn out to be nothing serious.

TheOriginalFAB · 31/05/2011 07:32

I am not panicking yet. What puts me off seeing the GP just now is I have heard they send you away to see how things are the following month. My period is due at the weekend so not too long to wait. If it carries on past the end of it I will be at the GP. I don't understand how it can be linked to my period when it has been the whole time since a few days after the end of my period and still now.

My grandmother had breast cancer but as it was my paternal one I don't think it is seen as a problem.

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strawberryjelly · 31/05/2011 10:37

I think you should see your Gp and not wait for next week.

Even though they cannot find a lump you have plenty of vague symptoms and I thought they referred to a breast clinic within 2 weeks if this was the case.

Even if ti's all negative it is better safe than sorry- too many tales of hopeless GPs and late diagnosis to put absolute trust int hem.

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