Persistently itchy nipple, now change in breast texture - worried

Teacupsandtoast · 2022-02-27T14:13:56+00:00

Have had an itchy nipple for a while (christmas) - got prescribed cream and it resolved a bit but now it's back to being very itchy all the time despite using doublebase emolient on it. I wasnt convinced there was a change in breast texture when I originally got the prescription, but now it feels/like there may be....but then I'm thinking, 'is it just my stretchmarks?' Will attach picture of the non-itchy side and the itchy side - if anyone has had similar I would love to hear what happened with you, because right now my brain is 100% catastrophising. (First image is the non itchy side, with the little red mark)

Original poster

Teacupsandtoast · 27/02/2022 14:14

Pictures have flipped - 1st one is the itchy side, 2nd with the little red mark is the 'good' boob

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Quantity5 · 27/02/2022 14:16

Can’t see a difference but you go need to go back to your gp to discuss. It’s the only way to go

Joystir59 · 27/02/2022 14:17

You need to get this checked by your gp asap.

Original poster

Teacupsandtoast · 27/02/2022 14:23

I have done an online consultation so will be speaking to my gp tomorrow. Posting here is just to offload my brain while I wait!

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ChardonnaysPetDragon · 27/02/2022 14:25

It does look like stretch marks. Do see your GP to put your mind at peace though.

Original poster

Teacupsandtoast · 27/02/2022 14:33

There are definitely stretch marks....2 babies and 3 years of feeding were not kind 😂

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Dashie · 27/02/2022 14:38

It’s difficult to tell from photos but yes I can see a difference. Definitely speak to your GP and stress that the surface texture has changed. Is there dimpling there?
I would say you need either to be examined by GP or onwards referral.
I know it’s easy for a stranger on the internet to say but try not to worry. Either there is something there and you are taking steps to get it sorted, or there is nothing and you’ll be reassured. Hope that helps.

Original poster

Teacupsandtoast · 27/02/2022 14:57

@Dashie

It’s difficult to tell from photos but yes I can see a difference. Definitely speak to your GP and stress that the surface texture has changed. Is there dimpling there? I would say you need either to be examined by GP or onwards referral. I know it’s easy for a stranger on the internet to say but try not to worry. Either there is something there and you are taking steps to get it sorted, or there is nothing and you’ll be reassured. Hope that helps.

Thank you @Dashie - the itchy side feels like cellulite, whereas the other side is soft/smooth, despite the stretchmarks. There's no lump or puckering, but it can be a bit tender - that said, it's always that side that my 7 year old is sticking an elbow in to climbing on for a cuddle. So I could write it all off as nothing, but it's enough to make me feel like it's something

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Bumblejuly2020 · 27/02/2022 15:18

I also think I can see a difference in the skin texture. I agree with pp about making sure a GP examines you or refers you onwards.
I don't want to freak you out and obviously it could be nothing but changes in skin texture can be a sign of breast cancer.
I would definitely be persistent with GP and make sure you are seen (my GP surgery seems to be fobbing everyone off at the moment.

gemloving · 27/02/2022 15:20

Have you been scatching the itchy side? When did you stop breastfeeding?

RoyKentsChestHair · 27/02/2022 15:21

It looks a bit “orange peel”y from the pic - is that what you mean? Regardless, anything that worries you should be checked out, so hopefully they refer you to the breast clinic and you’ll be seen within 2 weeks. I had to get mine checked out last year and even in the midst of lockdown it all happened very quickly and I was reassured on the spot that it was nothing to worry about.

Original poster

Teacupsandtoast · 27/02/2022 15:38

@gemloving

Have you been scatching the itchy side? When did you stop breastfeeding?

No scratching and haven't breastfed for 5 years now

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Original poster

Teacupsandtoast · 27/02/2022 15:39

@RoyKentsChestHair

It looks a bit “orange peel”y from the pic - is that what you mean? Regardless, anything that worries you should be checked out, so hopefully they refer you to the breast clinic and you’ll be seen within 2 weeks. I had to get mine checked out last year and even in the midst of lockdown it all happened very quickly and I was reassured on the spot that it was nothing to worry about.

Yup, but the 'orange peel' pictures google brings up doesnt look anything like mine, so I wasnt sure

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Original poster

Teacupsandtoast · 27/02/2022 17:24

Of course now I've had a good look and poke around, I'm tender at the side of my ribs, a few inches down from my armpit on the itchy side and that boob is noticeably smaller. Feel sick. I'm not sure what services are like here at the moment for referrals but hopefully it's not long

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Beamur · 27/02/2022 17:29

I think you're right to get it checked. It might be nothing to worry about but breast checks tend to be referred quickly. Most referrals don't find cancer but it's one of the most easily treated cancers in the worst case scenario. Hope you get seen quickly, I have had a referral myself and it was a horribly anxious time. Good luck.

Original poster

Teacupsandtoast · 28/02/2022 11:16

Doctor is seeing me tomorrow

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ChardonnaysPetDragon · 28/02/2022 11:37

Good!

Fingers crossed it's all OK.

PurplePumpkinDream · 28/02/2022 11:55

As others have said try not to panic, not easy I know, also if you’ve been checking it constantly it’ll be tender, I know because I do that. Good that you are being seen tomorrow and go from there.

RoyKentsChestHair · 28/02/2022 17:53

Glad you got an appointment quickly - is it face to face? My gp didn’t bother with that part and sent me straight for mammogram as they said it should be seen by a specialist, so if you’re in any way unsatisfied with tomorrows check up then just insist on being sent to the breast clinic. 99% chance it’s nothing to worry about but at least you’re on the right track if it’s the other 1%

Dashie · 28/02/2022 18:13

That’s good news.
Fingers crossed for a good outcome x

Original poster

Teacupsandtoast · 28/02/2022 19:14

@RoyKentsChestHair

Glad you got an appointment quickly - is it face to face? My gp didn’t bother with that part and sent me straight for mammogram as they said it should be seen by a specialist, so if you’re in any way unsatisfied with tomorrows check up then just insist on being sent to the breast clinic. 99% chance it’s nothing to worry about but at least you’re on the right track if it’s the other 1%

Yes face to face - they would have seen me today but it would have been an after school appointment and I didn't have anyone to take the kids. Since there is no lump but itching/texture change/change in size/tenderness (promise I'm not poking @PurplePumpkinDream ) and what looks like swelling under my arm with a dimple in it, I assume they will have to refer me since they can't really say it's fine without checking properly. One thing I'm not backwards in coming forwards at is getting seen/appropriate treatment, but they are a generally good and helpful practice.

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PurplePumpkinDream · 01/03/2022 10:48

@Teacupsandtoast Let us know the outcome x

Original poster

Teacupsandtoast · 01/03/2022 15:27

I've been referred. Doctor felt what she thinks is a cyst (not sure if that makes me feel better or worse as I cant feel anything!) so they'll will mammogram/ultrasound and drain/biopsy depending on the scans. She doesn't know why I'm itchy or if it's related

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PurplePumpkinDream · 01/03/2022 17:32

@Teacupsandtoast Good that you’ll be seen and diagnosed quickly, at least you are moving in the right direction. Just be patient till the appointment x

RoyKentsChestHair · 01/03/2022 20:49

Glad you’ve been referred - they’ll do a thorough check and put your mind at rest