Embarrassing Issue

[FluffyTowels27]

Name changed for this because it’s embarrassing but been here for years.

A few months ago the outside of my left breast felt itchy for a few days. Irritating, but no obvious redness, lumps or warmth. Just itchy. In the shower I decided to massage it out and a few drops of green/grey fluid came out of my areola.

Instant relief. Like squeezing a throbbing spot. Did it a couple times over the next few days and it seemed to resolve itself.

Now it’s happened again. I’ve had a good feel around, no lumps or bumps, redness or dimpling. Just itchy again and lo and behold in the shower this morning the same thing has happened. Same breast/area.

I haven’t breastfed or been pregnant for almost six years.

I’m incredibly time poor and last on the list of priorities - I’d really rather avoid a docs appointment to say “I can squeeze green fluid out of my breast” but has this happened to anyone else?! Any pearls of wisdom that it’s normal and will resolve or do I need to see someone? Is it something sinister or just one of those things.

I have no symptoms of infection, I just really don’t want to be Mrs gangrene tits.

It’s good that you are being seen speedily, fingers crossed that it’s simply an infection but if it is anything more serious then you will be treated promptly.
Hope all is well OP.

No that's how it should work!

I'm so glad it's soon. That will be the one stop shop and you should get any further investigations required on the same day. Fingers crossed for you.

I am I glad you saw the GP and have a breast clinic appointment. Hopefully they will be able to reassure you. I found a lump and was very quickly given an answer. I just have lumpy boobs. 🤦‍♀️

Im so glad to see your update about the appt. Op. They don't mess about with boob stuff. Keeping everything crossed that it's something minor. Take good care

You could really do with a friend or family member ringing on your behalf in that case, OP, to make the appointment as you absolutely need to get one asap ❤️

Apologies. I can see you've already been seen. Good 🙏🏻

Glad you'll be seen so quickly. Might be worth giving feedback about the first person you spoke to when you first called for an appointment, so they can be better trained in red flag symptoms.

Just had a bit of a wobble because I got a call from the hospital confirming my clinic appointment.

Told me where to go and to allow at least two hours for the appointment - they are expecting to scan and further tests (would that be a biopsy?) as a lump has been identified etc etc.

I know on the whole, it’s unlikely that it is cancer but it suddenly feels like a reality shock.

Oh love . They really are just doing their jobs properly. It’s important that they take it seriously and lets face it, you’d rather they do as much as possible so you have facts to deal with rather than all this worry wouldnt you? At least you wont be going back and forth and having unnecessary delays.

Not to scare you but itchy breast and discharge can be a symptom of breast cancer. Hopefully its not for you but detget straight to the GP

Sorry I didn't read your updates. Hope everything goes well on Monday. It's good your appointment is so quick so you'll get an answer quickly xx

Edited as crossed posts and now I look daft!

It sounds like they're taking this very seriously whuch is a good thing; it doesnt necessarily mean it will turn out to be worst case scenario but I can understand your nerves.
Hoping all goes well on Monday.

I am glad you are having this checked. Just to give an alternative possibility, I had the exact same symptoms quite a long time ( ie years) after having stopped breast feeding. I went to a one stop breast check clinic and was diagnosed with something called duct ectasia which meant a mastitis like infection at some point in the past had got stuck in a widened breast duct and then come out at a later date. Good luck with the appointment x

Old hand at this! I have frequent flyer points at the local breast unit due to a complex history of cysts etc.

Your call is completely usual. Whether they biopsy will depend on the scan results. If it's just a common cyst they'll probably offer to drain it (mildly uncomfortable for me).

If it's more than a cyst or a complex one then you may have a biopsy. The worst part of that is the local.

I had similar symptoms to you and a diagnosis of Duct Ectasia caused by a papilloma ( harmless but annoying). They did biopsy as the paps are harmless but they can mask other abnormalities.

I'm glad this is all happening quickly - best to get answers as soon as possible. I suggest if you can get someone to go with you then do. I hope all is well.

I am so pleased you have been seen and referred @FluffyTowels27 When I read your op my first thought was unusual discharge from your nipple is one of the signs to get checked. I hope whatever is found in the mammogram is easily treatable. Will be thinking of you Monday 💐

A wobble is a perfectly reasonable reaction in the circumstances. I'm not going to dismiss your concerns because they are valid and important - that's how we find out about things that need dealing with. However I'm just going to remind you that the vast, vast majority of breast lumps and other breast issues are not sinister. I'm sure you already know this but when the worry sets in it's too easy to ignore the logical part of your brain and be ruled by emotion. You're getting it checked, you're doing the right thing, statistics are on your side. Hopefully all will work out in your favour but either way, maybe take this as a sign you need to move yourself slightly higher up your priorities list. Easier said than done, I know. We all do it - my job is to accompany people to doctor and hospital appointments and yet I regularly miss my own! But think about it.

Only because there has been no prior contact with GP.
( We audit this quarterly)

I’m so pleased you made that call.
The usual protocol is a triple assessment mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy if needed.
I was your age when I was ‘diagnosed’ with dense glandular breasts that also have some benign cysts thrown in for good measure. I also had lumps that came and went (no discharge) and itchy nipples (unrelated dermatitis). I now ger breast ultrasounds every year instead of mammograms.
The radiologist at my last appointment said ‘ oh you have very busy breasts’ !
You will be well taken care of and thankfully the wait isn’t long.

Be pleased it is quick! Do not read anything untoward into this. It is just the system working properly for once!!

(((HUG)))

I know it's very scary, but I'm pleased you have an appointment for Monday. I was going to write a post about not accepting a 1 to 2 week wait for an appointment. That would've been far too long.

It's going to be a long weekend for you, I hope it does just turn out to be an infection or something that's easily sorted, but keep in mind the incredible rate of breast cancer survival now.

Let us know how you get on on Monday 🤗. I'll be thinking of you x