Breast Cancer question

[Maxmama77]

I am a 33 and scared of bc. At 18, I had a spon/ discharge from 1 breast- a 1 time deal and clear. Never thought much about it until now. Well,I've always had dc, usually green or yel/green in each brst upon manipulation. My bs never felt lumpy, just noticed when I did the check. I asked a few doctors and they didn't notice on exam.  I always went to my yrly and  my br check since I was 22. Occasionally, I would ask my OGYN or asst about the discharge, and none of them seemed troubled.. Also, at 25 yrs, I noticed a lump near my armpit about the size of a pea-hard/rubbery texture. I had around 4-5 different drs look at it, even dermatologist, who didn't seem to think it was breast related; however, 1 doc wanted to give me a strange antibiotic for a few wks, which I didn't take at the time,perhaps I should've. I had a baby 2 1/2 years ago/b-fed for 6 mos. My bf didn't come easily and the questionable side was more prone to milk production. My breasts would get lumpy due to milk. Well, before lo was born, I had my OBGYN check my dc again. Lab work of dc- negative. Now, I went to another OBGYN and asked her about my scares as I am still having white dc in 1 breast, both bs feel  lumpy and I still have arm lump. I'm a mess. The OBGYN said she didn't see or feel anything other than the armpit thing(she said she didn't think it was a big deal) however, she referred me to a surgeon to check my bs but I have decided to go to a diff dr to  check things immediately or on site. Is there anything else positive that this can be? I am so scared. I have so many lumps I can't tell one from the other. There is 1 lump in my right breast which is on the same scary side that feels like a golf ball; however I can almost get the sensation from the other side when testing, but it is more dominate on the other. I hope I can get some answers. I had a hormone test done at the other place and things came back normal, but now I am thinking that is a bad sign-what else could cause this? Thanks.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear maxmama77:  Many women have some type of nipple discharge or fluid when their breasts are squeezed, and its normal. Squeezing the nipple sends message to the brain and the pituitary gland responds by increasing prolactin levels, which in turn produces discharge from the nipple.  The discharge can come in a variety of colors - gray, green and brown as well as white.  Some women are more prone to more discharge including women on; birth control pills, certain blood pressure medications or on major tranquilizers.  These medications increase prolactin levels in the body.   There is also certain life periods when a person is more likely to get discharge than others: there may be more discharge at puberty and at menopause than the years in-between. The time to worry about nipple discharge is when it’s spontaneous (comes out by itself without squeezing), keeps on happening, and is only on one side.  If it is clear and sticky, like an egg white, or bloody.  If this is happening, you should be checked by your doctor.  

Pregnancy causes many changes in breast tissue and this may be the explanation for why your breasts feel lumpy now as compared to before your pregnancy.  Lumpy breast tissue is quite common in young women and may swell and be painful at certain times in the menstrual cycle.  A small rubberly lump in the armpit that has not changed in 8 years may be a small lymph node – and this can be a normal finding.  

If your doctors have not felt anything concerning, it is likely that these findings are not cancerous.  However, you may follow up with the surgeon who can examine you and hopefully give you the answers you need and offer some peace of mind.

[Maxmama77]

I did a follow up with a new physician-- was this wrong to not go to the surgeon? The new doctor did say the same thing you mentioned, due to hormones/pregnancy and natural changes of breasts. I pointed out the area of concern, but when the test was done, he asked if I had a lump in question? I was confused as I had so many that I can't differentiate one from the other. These are really large like the curve of a index finger, like a thicker ring about 2 or 3 down the middle of each breast. I just pointed to the area of concern, but would the doctor have noticed these huge lumps? This doctor has been in the field for 30 yrs but is not a surgeon. I feel like I can feel these better standing up, rather than lying down on the table. I can't believe I did not point these out. Anyway, he didn't think anything was out of the norm at all. I asked if I could have an Ultra Sound for peace of mind, and he didn't push it, but was certainly accepting of me asking. Do you think this would be an accurate test? I feel like I am doing the work, and probably should've stayed with the other office. Do you think the dr didn't feel these lumps? He felt the area and said they were lumpy breasts. He did say he would have the staff match the hormone test that the other one did to see if anything else should be done. He did not request a follow up, etc... he just seemed to think this was normal.

[Maxmama77]

Thank you. I am doing a follow up appointment to ask some questions and get the tests today. Thanks again.

[Maxmama77]

Hello again. I believe someone posted that this could be hormonal;however, my hormone test came back normal. I am going to a new dr this week. I just keep feeling a long strand of lumps (primarily the front of my breasts) like a big knot that is undefined going in a V shape or around the middle and end of my breasts. One lump feels more substantial then the others, but they aren't really defined, just lots of lumps. I am so scared. I really wish I could get some more feedback on WHAT could be going on to some degree. Also, my doctors have brushed off the lump around my armpit for years and it looks like all of the pics of bc- I just have one that is the size of a pea or pencil eraser for 7-8 years. Then, I have a white discharge in one breast, every now and then in the other(but barely-just noticed on the other side). It is almost always one sided, though. I am absolutely terrified. I have had a pushing sensation in my neck but I do have TMJ, it is on the opposite side of the questionable area, however, I am dreading that it could be lymp issues. Please, if someone can help me here, that would be terrific. Thanks.