Ultrasound results

For the past 3 weeks or so my left breast has been sore and felt a small kind of thick spot on the very outer part of my breast under my arm. Really had to push around to feel it.  I went the next day to my OB/GYN who felt nothing, but the nurse practioner did and she suggested a mammogram and possible ultrasound. I am 39 years old with unknown medical history. A week later I went to Cleveland Clinic FL.  Mammogram was normal, dense breast tissue.  The ultrasound showed 2 spots.  The one I had felt and one on the underside of my breast which had not bothered me so far.  The tech said it did not look like cancer, making sure that I understood that he was not a doctor or diagnosing of course.  I proded him being that I have been a medical tech for 12 years and just wanted to know what he might think.  He told me that they appear to be in my milk ducts or lobes.  CCF made an appointment for me to see a vascular surgeon in 10 days.  My breast is still very sore, feels like a big bruise.  Sore all the time, more so with movement.  What could this possibly be?  Why an appointment with a vascular surgeon and not a breast specialist?  Anything I can do while waiting to ease the discomfort?  One side note, I will NOT see the doctor again who did not feel it at all and suggested that maybe I was PMS-ing!  The nurse practitioner has much more respect from me than the doctor does.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear susankobes:  There are many possibilities of what you might be feeling.  Breast cancer is not generally painful.  I'm not certain why they are sending you to a vascular surgeon.  Perhaps vascular surgery is not his only specialty?  You might consider calling the doctors office and asking why the consult to a vascular surgeon.

[surgeon]

I can't think why you'd be referred to a vascular surgeon other than the fact that vascular surgeons are all general surgeons as well, and perhaps this person does both. As to what it is, it's impossible to say with certainty, other than to say that breast pain is usually not due to cancer, and that dense areas are pretty common on ultrasound, even in "normal" breasts.

[gradysmom]

I also have a very tender, sore area on my breast and was told I have a couple of cysts after ultrasound. I was advised to take Vitamin E and eliminate caffeine. I am also taking Evening Primrose Oil, but discovered that through my own research - not my doctor. The pain I had was really intense before I started taking these supplements and quit caffeine, but now it is barely noticeable, although not completely gone. Talk to your doctor about it. I understand you need to be careful with vitamin E, but your doctor can tell you how much is safe. Good luck and hope the pain goes away.

[SusanKobes]

What?? No more coffee???  How would I be expected to show up to work?  Just kidding.  I had heard the caffeine thing before and have started cutting down alot.  I did not know of Vit E or the Primrose Oil.  I will try both.  thank-you.  I think I will call again and ask why I am seeing a vascular surgeon.  I checked out the Cleveland Clinic directory and found no breast specialists listed.  Could that be why I was not referred to one within the clinic?  Thank-you to the surgeon for responding so quickly.  I never knew of doctors working on a Sunday.  :)