Do all breast problems need seeing?

[longtermillness]

Having slightly odd issues with my breasts at the moment . Never breast fed - never had children - and no family history of any breast cancers although admittedly I don’t know for my father’s side as he was adopted .

Both nipples are increasingly itchy, flaky and painful . They’ve always had a bit of a tendency towards blanching/vasospasm (since I was about 17, I’m now nearing 30) but that’s happening a bit more - I noticed particularly the other night that both very painful . I’m also getting shooting pain through breast at times, like an electric shock . Particularly on the left side .

I’ve checked and I can’t feel any lumps . Any changes are to both sides . I’ve bought nipple cream for the dry skin - I suppose it’s more likely a dermatitis and the pain’s just one of those things... but it’s nagging at me a bit - and I’m not sure if I should check with GP somehow ?

See a GP.

Unlikely to be anything serious but I’d see a gp

It's likely to be nipple eczema especially as it's on both sides. Speak to GP about creams etc.

Nipple eczema is a potential red flag. You need to see your GP.

Yea you need to see your gp as son as possible probably nothing but its needs to be checked

I’ll ring them tomorrow . I think it will be nothing, but it’s just playing on my mind a bit.

I had a mammogram recently that showed an abnormality and I had to have further scans , a biopsy which was inconclusive and then a repeat biopsy. There were no external signs, it didn’t look different, I couldn’t feel any lumps or swellings. Thank goodness they have found no evidence of anything sinister at the moment and I have had the all clear but the department said even though they have stopped routine screening, they are continuing to see ladies with breast problems as normal and they want people to come in rather than leave it, So I would contact your GP. As it’s both sides I would think it would be more likely to be eczema type problem, it’s worth checking for peace of mind

I had the same. Saw half a dozen male doctors who poked, prodded and biopsied me to high heaven. The first female doctor who saw it said it was eczema, gave me some cream you can buy in Boots for a couple of quid and I’ve been fine ever since. She pointed out a lot of people forget the chest is pretty much an extension of the face skin-wise and you’re as well to treat it gently.

It could well be more serious but it makes sense to try easily accessible remedies first.

I would call gp. I didn't feel any lumps but discovered breast cancer via tests for something else. I was very lucky.

www.boots.com/diprobase-emollient-lotion-300ml-10160789

Will try see if can get that - I remember using that as a child ! Have got Bennett’s cream just now from amazon - seemed cheapest option - seems OK but a bit sticky .

Its definitely the fact that it’s all bilateral that’s making me less worried . I’m not too great at checking them regularly though . Will maybe have a go in bed later .

Well get the cream if you like BUT at the same time as setting your gp.

I was one of the unlucky ones and no obvious symptoms. As with ifonly, cancer was found when they were looking at something else.

You don't hang about with stuff like this op.

*seeing not setting. See your gp.

As someone who put off seeing a GP about unusual breasts, and then was diagnosed with breast cancer at 27, I'd say please get it checked out. The shooting pains can be a symptom. Could be totally normal but worth checking out.

Please see your GP, OP - those sort of changes need to be checked. And yes, eczema can be an unpredictable bastard, but I think you ought to go with your gut on this one.

Look up Raynaud’s Syndrome Nipple and see if that sounds familiar, but I definitely think you need to see someone.

Definitely get it checked - they will not mind at all if it turns out to be nothing serious. They’d rather spend an appointment checking you out now and have it turn out to be nothing, than have you wait until something serious has progressed, I promise.

I found a lump a couple of weeks ago. Called GP, had a phone consultation the same day and she referred me to hospital - appointment within a week. I had a mammogram and ultrasound and thankfully it was just a cyst, but I was amazed at how quiet the whole hospital was. The intensive care units will be busy but everywhere else has cancelled routine appointments and is just seeing urgent appointments, so they will easily fit you in.

In some ways there’s never been a better time to need a hospital appointment!! It’s obviously all kept totally separate from covid cases and everyone is super hot on hygiene at the moment, so don’t worry about it if you have to go in.

Hi OP, just hoping that you managed to be seen, and that you are okay

Also hoping OP got seen 🤞

May I hijack after the bump? Anyone got experience of itchy nipple on just the one side? Eczema has flared at the moment so am putting it down to that.

Kevin - from what I understand, if you have been examined previously and had eczema on the nipple confirmed, it's not (usually - NAD) a worry during a flare up of eczema which is affecting other areas.

However, if you have never been seen by a doctor while presenting this symptom, it should still be checked. Itchy, flaky skin; change in colour or skin texture; discharge of any kind... anything odd or unusual for you should be seen by a doctor.

Thanks, Ginny. I’m guessing it’s eczema but it is new there.

Just saw this - I think, in that case, you should at least call for a telephone consultation, and preferably see a GP. Hope all goes well