What does breast cancer pain feel like?

[poppymango]

Hello,

I’ve had some really odd pain in my left breast recently. Tried to call my GP but no luck so close to Christmas, did the 111 online thing and it told me to see
my GP.

No lumps so I know it’s not so likely to be cancer, but I’m wondering what breast cancer pain actually feels like?

My pain is like a dull stabbing and throbbing pain on the lower side under my nipple, but it’s not all the time. It’s there when I lie on it or if I pull my breast upward (I first noticed it when I was adjusting my bra und my clothes).

No new underwear, breastfeeding, nipple piercings, or injuries. No infection that I can see. I don’t think I can see or feel any changes to skin either, but I do have the slightly odd sensation of feeling the blood pumping, and when I hold my hand under that breast I can feel my pulse (I can’t on the other side - but it’s just occurred to me that might be normal because that’s the side the heart is on.)

The chances of me getting seen before Christmas are slim to none but I just wanted to hear from anyone who had experienced similar pain. I know not all breast cancer symptoms are the same and I’m a bit worried I won’t be taken seriously because I don’t have a lump.

Bumping cos I know everyone’s busy and this might get lost!

I don't think it usually causes pain, it would be
More worrying if you had lump and no pain rather than the other way round! I had a painful lump checked out earlier this year and that's what the consultant said to me.

If you are of a certain age it's likely hormonal. I have on/off pain in my left breast really frequently now.

I had 4 tumours and no pain.

Agree, pain is actually an unusual presentation for breast cancer; it’s far, far more likely to be hormonal or referred/musculoskeletal pain from somewhere else. I am a breast clinician and actually most of our breast pain referrals are reviewed in a telephone clinic, at least at first anyway, as it’s such a low risk presentation as an isolated symptom. Try not to worry!

Hi there. Intermittent pain isn't a symptom of breast cancer.
What you're describing sounds muscular to me. I'm sure you're panicking, but try not to. You can see your practice nurse or GP after Christmas, and they'll reassure you.

LINK HERE

My mum's only symptom was pain, her cancer was a single file pattern and spread like lace rather than a lump. She was dismissed by doctors and it did not show up on a mammogram. They only found it because she refused to leave the hospital without an ultrasound.

Pain is uncommon, but not unheard of and its always best to check out anything that is unusual for you.

My only symptom was pain. Sharp stabbing pain. There were no lumps, which is also typical of lobular breast cancer. It tends to be invisible on mammograms too - mine was. I was dismissed several times by medical professionals.

OP everyone is different, depends on type, location, even your age. Absolutely no one can tell you.

I’ve had hormonal pain before, and it sounds similar to what you are describing. Also, an ill-fitting bra (an old bra) caused pain.

However, call the gp and get an appointment and get it checked out. All breast changes needs checking out.