Nipple pain

[bev71]

Hi all, I'm new here and have a question, if you don't mind.

For a week or so, I've been having pains in my right breast, not constant, not excruciating, just mild pain. They're not pre-menstrual.
I'm 36, no children, and had a mastectomy three years ago for a grade 2 tumour with no lymph involvement. This is not the symptom I had last time. One of my symptoms last time was one, single very sharp stabbing pain in a  very thin line, if that makes sense.

I had 5 rounds of AC, and stuck the Tamoxifen for just over a year out of the prescribed 5.

Is this anything to worry about? I know I should go to my GP, but if this is nothing to worry about, I really don't want all the fuss that I know my previous history will make him cause.

Thanks in advance!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It is nice to know that the pain is less with Ibuprofen. You should continue taking it for a few days more. But remember to take it only after your meals. Taking it empty stomach can cause symptoms of gastritis and reflux.

Also, it would be a good idea to get a re evaluation done by your doctor to find out the cause of the pain.

Do keep us posted.
Good luck.

[bev71]

Thanks for your replies. I had menses right through taking the tamoxifen, which I stopped about 8 months ago. The nipple isn't irritated or inflamed or anything and the pain is more inside the breast, behind the nipple, not the nipple itself. I have taken Ibuprofen which seems to help, but I will make an appointment to see my doctor.

Thanks for your help
bev71

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,
Did you stop having menses during the time you were on Tamoxifen? when did you discontinue? At your age, it is not surprising that the menses would return after the tamoxifen. Tamoxifen generally suppresses growth on the breast (and has been tested in low doses for breast pain), so the discontinuation may promote normal growth in the breast which may be felt as mild pain.
Inspect the nipple, if it is red or inflamed then it may simply be irritation from clothes/perfume/underwear.
Occasionally pain in the breast may be due to pain arising from the underlying muscles - so an evaluation of specific muscle groups may yield important answers.
Its best you see your doctor and to make an evaluation.
Stay positive.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,
You could be having the pain due to several causes - it could be a muscle pull, some trauma to the site or rubbing or friction injury. It could also be due to some infection.
You should try to wear lose clthes, apply local analgesic ointment at the site and do some warm compresses. Take some OTC pain relief medication for some time and see if it helps.
If the pain still persists, after a few days, you need to schedule an appointment wiith your doctor.
You need to infact get a re evaluation done as it must be quite some time since you got a complete examination done since your surgery and chemptherapy.
Do let us know how you are doing.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.