Worried sick about my mum

[AnonButRegular]

She has had an itchy nipple - more areola - for ages. It comes and goes. No other breast symptoms. Not much to see except a small patch of skin on the areola which is slightly darker than the rest. Hydrocortisone helps.

She had a clear mammogram about 18 months ago and has seen a dermatologist about it who said it's eczema. Recent blood tests also clear.

She mentioned into the dr a couple of weeks ago and the dr prescribed clotrimazole cream. This hasn't made much of a difference.

She got a call the following day saying that the dr had been advised by another dr to refer her to the breast clinic.

I'm absolutely sick with worry. Have googled and all that comes up is Pagets.

Try not to worry, they are doing the right thing by checking.

I suffered from an itchy nipple/areola a decade or more ago, it was very persistent and the usual eczema or thrush creams didn't clear it up, though maybe helped a bit. It turned out to be just that, a little patch of persistent eczema that cleared up by itself after a long time - nothing sinister.

Since hydrocortisone helps your mum, there is every chance hers is eczema too and they're just being thorough. Honestly. I know how precious mums are but remind yourself something sinister is much LESS likely than a serious cause, given the background/details.

Thanks both.

She said that the dr examined both breasts, both by sight and touch, and said that she couldn't feel anything untoward and both breasts look equal. No inversion of the nipple, no discharge, no redness.

I've had a look and the actual nipple looks normal, there's just a bit of darker dry skin on the edge of the areola that looks like it's been scratched.

I'm going with her on Tuesday so praying that everything is ok and it's nothing serious. Googling hasn't helped and I knew it wouldn't but couldn't stop myself.

I don't know how I'm going to get through the weekend

I can understand your concern but I'm very glad he GP was told to refer your mother to a breast clinic as the NICE guidelines are to refer any breast lumps for further examination. The reason for this as I'm sure you know is that IF the lump is cancerous then the earlier it is diagnosed the better the chance of a good recovery. Most lumps aren't in fact cancer but I realise until you know you will be concerned.

Just a thought - are you going to be able to hide your anxiety from your mother because if not, surely that is going to make her anxious too.

Hope all goes well.

Thanks NanaNina but there is no lump. Just a patch of dry skin on the outer edge of the areola. No lump, puckering, redness, discharge, oozing, weeping or anything.

I'm trying not to show I'm anxious but had a little cry this morning.

I've been on the breast cancer care website which has some great info.