Breast Cancer Symptoms

In the middle of august I noticed a darker area of the areola on my left breast – looks like a bruise.  It’s on the outer edge of the areola between 12:00 and 1:00 position.  The area has almost doubled in size, comparable to the size and shape of a lima bean.  I haven’t felt anything unusual until last week while I was in the shower.  There is something unusual adjacent to the discolored area (between the 11:00 and 12:00 position of the areola), but I can’t tell if what I am feeling is an enlarged milk duct, normal breast tissue or something else. It’s also hard to tell if it’s fixed or movable. I only feel this while standing or sitting and not when I am lying down.  I guess I have a two part question.  1) Should I be concerned since I only feel the lump while standing/sitting and not while I am lying down?  2) Should I be concerned about the discolored area?  Sometimes I feel like I may over react to issues and I would hate waste my doctor’s time.  I am 40, no chance of being pregnant, total hysterectomy 8 years ago.

[japdip]

I won't tell you to or not to worry (we always tend to do that) but you need to see your Dr. for a clinical breast exam and any other testing that may be appropriate. Anytime there is a change involving the breast you need to have it ck.d out. At 40 you should really have a baseline screening mammogram. This may be something involving the milk ducts which could be any number of things. Make that appointment, OK ??    Regards ....

[three_c_mom]

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my post.  I always worry that I over react to something that may be nothing and I hate wasting other peoples time.  I will call my dr's office to get an appointment.  Thanks again!

[happyallthelife]

I have suffered breast cancer at my youth, 20-year-old. At first I had severe pains in one of my breasts, and there was also a some-what large and hard lump in the same one. However my other breast seemed perfectly normal. I don't know if this had anything to even do with it.I went to the doctor, I would like to know what this meaned, and if it meaned that i might have breast cancer. Was it even possible to have breast cancer at age 20?
Fortunately, I went to the doctor and get an accurate diagnosis and correct treatment. I am fine now.I have paid 200% attention to breast health and how to prevent breast cancer.

breastcancer.dormitory is one of the websites I stick to and it help to update me with the latest breast health advice and relevant videos.