Swollen Breast

[lucyloo2769]

I am 39 years old and have written before.  I had a bruise on the left breast and it was swollen(the bruise has faded a good bit).  I went for a mam and US.  Neither came back indicating any problems.  That was about 2 weeks ago. This past Friday my GP sent me to a breast surgeon and she re-did the US and saw a horse shoe type shadow that she thought was a little odd and has now got me on antibiotic for 7 days.  The swelling has now moved under my left arm even though I have been take my meds. religiously. Do I need to call the surgeon back and let her know that it has gotten worse or do I need to continue the meds and give them a chance?  I have been on them for 4 days. Could this be breast cancer?


This discussion is related to swollen underarm.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Nothing can be said with surety without a clinical examination and having a look at your reports.

You could continue with  the medications and consult your doctor at the end of 7 days to update her on your symptoms and also about the persistence of the lesion.

What specific features do you observe on breast self examination?

Was the bruise you mention due to trauma?

Talk to your doctor about getting an MRI done if required and also discuss about whether a biopsy would be required in your case.

Let us know how you are doing and also update us on what your doctor advises.

Hope this helps.

Regards.,

[lucyloo2769]

The bruise was not caused by any trama that I can remember.  I would think if I had hit my breast that hard I would have remembered it and that it would be tender to the touch which is was not.  In the self examinations, I don't have any lumps just able to feel the glands that are swollen under my collar bone above my left breast and the area under the left arm.  Surgeon did say that she will do another US in a 2 weeks and see if there are any changes in the area of concern.  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It would be best to follow your doctor's advise and get a repeat ultrasound in 2 weeks time and see for any changes in the report.

Till then you need to continue with your medications and also try some warm compresses and see if it helps.

Let us know if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

[lucyloo2769]

This morning I have a very weak left arm, it has a burning sensation under the arm and breast is still swollen, but hasn't gotten bigger that I can tell. However there seems to be a slight indent over my nipple that I have not noticed before.  What could cause the weakness?  Do you think that it could be related to my breast situation or is this something totally different?

Thanks for all the info.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You could be having the weakness due to various causes - including a wrong posture while sleeping, due to the effect of the medications you are on, due to the breast lesion itself, etc.

It is time that you schedule an appointment with your doctor and talk to him/her about the non-resolution of your symptoms even with the prescribed medications.

Let us know if you have any ther doubts and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Regards.