Nipple enlargement

Hi.
I have had 2 lumps found in the left breast previously, both were scanned and were found to be normal. I have found that my breasts are always sore and that now my left nipple seems to have gotten bigger. There is no discharge but it is painful and I don't want to have to go through it all again and be nothing. I feel as if I am wasting the doctors time!
Please help.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Trix, Breast pain is a common breast symptom.  The reason for breast pain is not clearly understood, and is not usually associated with breast cancer.  Breast pain is sometimes associated with hormonal variations and is then called cyclical breast pain.  Noncyclical breast pain does not seem to be linked to hormonal variations and is often localized to one area of the breast tissue.  Noncyclical breast pain may or may not be the result of an injury to the breast.

When a lump or change in the breast is found a certain amount of evaluation is needed to determine the cause.   Depending on when the prior examination was, what testing was done, the amount of discomfort you are feeling, and if this is causing you quite a bit of concern it is best to have it checked out (even if some of this is done by speaking to your doctor over the phone).  If you are having a lot of discomfort with your breasts, and frequent issues with lumps that need evaluation, perhaps you should see someone who specializes in breast disease.  Do not let concern that you are