Pain in Breast

[animalover]

My grandmother died of breast cancer.  My maternal aunt was just diagnosed with breast cancer.  I have had pain in my left lower breast for about 2 months.  My doctor felt some cysts and sent me for my annual mammo.  The mammo says no skin thickening or nipple retraction.  Dense fibroglandular changes seen bilaterally.  Small intramammary lymph nodes seen in the superior aspect of the left breast.  Stable asymmetric fibroglandular tissue in the superior aspect of the right breast.  No new masses or suspicious appearing microcalcifications.  Axillary regions unremarkable.  Due to extreme density in each breast, close clinical correlation and mammo followup recommended.  No interval changes from 5.20.02., date of last mammo.  My doctor now is sending me to a breast surgeon with all my previous films.  I still have these pains which feel like density, or sometimes sharp shooting pains.  If there is any form of pressure, even light it hurts.  I am worried.  Would an ultrasound show whatever this is?  Any information would help.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear animalover, An ultrasound can help to tell if something is fluid-filled (cyst)or solid tissue.  So possibly if there was a cyst that is not showing up on physical exam or mammogram, the ultrasound could be helpful.  Breast pain is a common symptom and often the cause is unknown,  however, it is a new finding for you that does warrant further checking.   It makes sense to have the second opinion by the breast specialist to review your information and can help to evaluate the discomfort you are now experiencing.

[animalover]

ADDITION TO PREVIOUS STATEMENT - Forgot to say I am 46 years old and my regular doctor said he could feel cysts in both breasts but the one in the left breast is larger.  Thanks

[surgeon]

You can't tell something is a cyst by feel alone; it takes either poking a needle in it to confirm there's fluid, or an ultrasound. Pain is very common with cystic breast condition, and much less common with cancer. It's good to see a breast specialist as you are doing, to help decide whether anything else needs doing.

[animalover]

Last night, it was extremely painful when I laid on my left side.  I had to get up and sleep on the couch so I wouldn't toss and turn.  My appointment with the breast sx isn't for 2 more weeks.  Do you think there is urgency that I should get in earlier.  Should I take mammo xrays to my reg. gynocologist?