To tell DH not to go to hospital?

[FlamedToACrisp]

Over the last couple of weeks, DH has very sore painful nipples and they feel solid underneath, first one, now both. No discharge or visible signs. He is 66, very ill and frail and had recent heart procedure, and I worry he'll catch CV and die if he goes to hospital. I don't think it's breast cancer - but could it be? What else might it be? The GP is only doing phone calls not appointments in person, and as I say, there's nothing to see.

YABU = Go to hospital YANBU= Don't go

Just phone the GP they're still available

Why would he go to hospital? Surely he should phone the GP first.

Call the GP and discuss the symptoms. They will see in person or refer to someone else if they feel it is necessary.

Surely have to have a phone appointment with the GP and see what they suggest?

I copied this from a site on the internet:

Both men and women experience nipple pain. Men commonly experience this pain following injuries, often from sports or accidents. Men can also develop irritated nipples after exercising, due to friction. Men are also at risk for breast mastitis.

Men are at less risk of developing breast cancer, but the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2018, there will be approximately 2,550 new cases of breast cancer in men.

Men with breast cancer may experience the following symptoms in the nipple:

redness
scaly skin
retraction
It is important for men to be screened and maintain a healthful lifestyle, particularly if they have a high risk of developing this cancer. Family history may be a factor.

Treatment
Cold teabags may help to reduce soreness and pain.
Many home remedies have been used to ease sore and painful nipples. These include:

massage
cold teabags
warm compresses
ice
moisturizers
There is no evidence that these remedies are consistently useful, but some may provide relief, depending on the cause of symptoms. In the event of any changes to the nipple, seek proper diagnosis and medical treatment.

If symptoms occur after exercising, a person can apply a topical barrier product designed for athletes to the skin. Do so before the next workout, to reduce friction.

If symptoms follow the use of a new skincare product, including shampoo, stop using the product and see if the symptoms resolve.

No, don't go to hospital, call your GP or 111 for advice.

Get a phone consultation with the GP. Nobody can properly advise you here whether or not he should go to hospital. I can fully understand your worry so I would take it one step at a time. Speak to the GP first.

I wouldn't get him to go to hospital but a good idea would be for him to have a phone conversation with a doctor. It's very rarely breast cancer, please try not to worry.

Call the GP obviously?

Assuming you are in the uk. Why on earth would you be thinking of pitching up to hospital? Even without Coronavirus this wouldn’t be the correct way to access nhs care. Call the gp and they will decide what the best course of action will be.

Call the GP. They will triage him over the phone and ask him to go to the surgery to be seen if they need to.

Just phone the GP. Why on earth would he go straight to a hospital?!

I would definitely call the GP. It doesn't sound like it needs an A&E trip but definitely further investigation.

It's not an emergency.
Phone the GP.

Please do not let this put others off going to ED in an emergency. A lot of EDs are very quiet currently, and there is careful segregation of anyone suspected of having covid at all, and those where there is no suspicion of it..

75% think he should go to hospital, why? Surely he should call his GP before turning up to the hospital.

It's not an accident or emergency so no he should not go to hospital. He should phone the GP they can still advise or make referrals over the phone if required.

The NHS is still open and many drs are concerned that people are going untreated , please seek advice x

Speak to the GP, don't ignore it.

Could it be related to his recent heart procedure?

I have been to hospitals twice within the past month, A&E and an appointment. I felt safe both visits, covid patients are treated elsewhere so you won’t cross paths with them. Staff were very stringent with security, it will be quiet as no visitors and patients will be strictly triaged before being allowed in, including temperature checks. Very hygienic, staff wore masks etc.

I have had absolutely no covid symptoms so can only assume that I didn’t catch it from the hospitals.

So hospitals are safe, but as others have pointed out he doesn’t immediately need to go to hospital regardless

I agree with PPs he should phone the GP

Call the GP and if necessary they’ll book him in for a physical examination at the surgery. They are still investigating and treating people. They are also still referring where necessary.

Another saying phone the GP in the first instance. The doctor can triage him over the phone and take it from there.

Is it both nipples? Cancer is unlikely if it's both as far as I know. He could call his GP tho because it might be related to the surgery

Why would he go to hospital? It's not an accident or an emergency.

He needs to speak to his GP and take it from there. They're still seeing people in person if necessary, just taking the necessary precautions.