Not breastfeeding, mastitis or something else?

[Mamatotwoboys]

Hi ladies

Three weeks ago I started noticing a change in my right breast, hardening of a milk duct from behind my nipple towards my right armpit (about three inches). It can be a bit sore to touch, but not always, and it feels a bit lumpy behind my nipple.

I went to see a nurse 2 weeks ago who said to come back in a few weeks if it was still there.

I went back again yesterday because I noticed dimpling and that the skin was sunken along the track of the milk duct. The nurse prescribed precautionary antibiotics and referred me to the 2 week breast cancer clinic.

I stopped breast feeding my second son 1 year ago, and with neither sons did I ever get mastitis - I did feel early stage blockages but would move them with massage and feeding.

has anyone had anything similar not breastfeeding? I’m wondering if this is an abscess or mastitis, or something different.

I havent started taking the antibiotics as would rather not, but equally I don’t want it to develop into something worse.

picture shows the dimple and the noticeable track where the duct is firm.

thanks so much!

Hi @Mamatotwoboys , that's good that you were referred. I had something similar after I stopped / was breastfeeding my son. I had several hard lumps and after and ultrasound in the breast clinic (also under 2ww referral) they concluded it was dried up milk. I then had a follow up and all was fine.

Breast clinics are quite good as I think they scan you then and there so you will know soon, and most likely it is breastfeeding related.

PS I would take antibiotics - if its amoxicillin they are pretty harmless xx