Sore boob for the last month consistently, but on and off for 2 years. Should I be concerned? (Not breastfeeding!)

[Namenamename1]

Since I stopped breastfeeding 2 years ago, I’ve had an intermittent sore right breast. The last month, the soreness has been constant. It feels like of like it did when my ducts were a bit blocked.

My breast looks totally normal and have done a manual lump check - none - but I’m getting a teensy bit worried. Feel a bit daft telling the doctor about it, as it doesn’t hurt, just sore and a little uncomfortable.

Could it be a very long hangover from breastfeeding? Or even from wearing tight, underwired bras? (I have big boobs!)

Would you go to the doc? Even though there’s no pain? I just hate wasting their time.

[Footle]

Of course go to the GP. It's your breast. It doesn't feel right.

[42isthemeaning]

Go to the gp. You're not wasting their time at all. I had similar to you and was sent for a mammogram. It's usually nothing to worry about as there are many reasons for pain, but do go and get it checked by a professional.

[Namenamename1]

Thank you both! Okay I will book an appointment tomorrow. As it’s not pain as such, I feel a bit of a wally saying “my breast is a bit sore”! But of course, I shouldn’t!

What did it end up being for you, 42?

[Torvi]

Hi OP. I could've written your post as my situation is almost identical to what you describe. Stopped breastfeeding 2 years ago and sometimes have the feelings you describe. It seems to have been worse for the last couple of months and I have a breast clinic appointment this Friday. I can't feel an actual lump but have knotty breasts anyway and they are very large. I'm really worried.

Did you have your scan yet? I hope everything is ok with you.

[katscamel]

A lot will depend on the type of pain. I've had an infection that's since caused an abcess. Feels achy sometimes and burning sensation at other times. Went to see Dr Xmas eve and she wanted me to go to acute care (ha ha....public transport on Xmas eve .... mad idea). Anyway booked into breast clinic near me on Monday.
The good thing is that for any breast concerns referral should be done within 2 weeks as far as I know so if your Dr does think there's an issue you'll be seen quickly.
You could also use the NHS 111 service for advice.

[Namenamename1]

Hi torvi - sorry for the delayed reply, I only just saw this.

I actually have my breast clinic hospital appointment tomorrow. I went to the GP last week after putting it off for a very very long time (I now see that I said I’d book a GP appointment “tomorrow” back in early December. I didn’t.) - I got a clinic appointment fast though.

I really hope yours went ok? I will report back on mine when I hear back.

[Fredy45]

I had this (and still do). Mine is a blocked duct (ironically I couldn't breastfeed when I wanted to).

I have a piece of tenderness which gets a bit lumpy. I had a scan at the breast clinic and consultant showed me. This was about 18 months ago and a couple of months ago I had a mammogram as part of a work health assessment and that was fine too.

Consultant says it gets worse with stress as stress hormones put other hormones out of whack. Seems to correlate for me

[Torvi]

Hi** Namenamename1 all is well with me thankfully. I had my appointment and though they could feel "thickening" where I described it turned out ok to be nothing. They did however find a small cyst in another part of my breast but nothing to worry about.
There was a scary point where the woman doing the ultrasound left the room for a good 5 minutes whilst she had a word with the radiographer. She just left me there covered in the gel without reassuring me . I convinced myself she'd found something terrible as you can no doubt imagine.
How did you get on today? I hope everything is ok.