Worried about thickening in breast

Hi,

I have just finished breastfeeding my 15 month old son (2 weeks ago). I fed his sister before him till she was 25 months (I was 5 months pg at that time) then went straight to feeding him four months later. So I pretty much bfed for 3 and a half years.

Anyway it has been 2 weeks since I stopped. I had a little engorgement for a few days then my breasts went soft. Yesterday I noticed that in my left breast (which was the one most fed upon by them both) there is what I can only describe as a thickened area which starts under the nipple and goes upwards (in a sort of north easterly direction if you are looking at me!). Basically an eighth-sized portion of my breast! It is not hard - feels like when your breast is engorged but just this small section - the rest of the breast is soft. If I massge it clear fluid comes out and squirts out like milk but only from the side of the nipple where the thickening is used to. It is also quite sore and tender in that area.

Am freaking out a bit as I know thickening is a breast cancer sign.

I am going to make an appt to see the doc asap but was wondering if anyone had any ideas on this?

Thanks,

Nikki

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I understand your concern.  From what you have described, this may be more likely an engorged breast duct that has still inspissated milk or other breast fluids.  Also by this time, we can expect that your normal hormonal cycle will be returning (the usual regular hormonal cycles cease while on breast feeding) and this might influence the breast ducts and lobules.  This can present with the present symptoms that you are experiencing such as breast fullness, soreness, and sometimes frank pain.  I agree with the doctor appointment that you are planning to have yourself fully evaluated, just to make sure that everything looks OK.

Regards and God bless.