aching / stinging pain in left scapular region in back ( esp. after smoking)

[handytech]

Since '94  I was medically examined by a doctor prior to obtaining a job working for the U.S. Navy and the doctor said ( aftr palpation of my mid-back area) that he detected a ' thickend ' area under / in my left scapular muscle area, I have noticed a chronic aching and occasional sharp stinging pain in this area which appers to be getting worse (it is particularly noticable during and immrdiately after smoking cigarettes [ yeah ....I know].

The doctor suggested that it might be an inflammed bursa sac or a benign fatty tumor ( but it might possibly [ but not probebly ...be something worse]).

In the same general area there appears to be a discoid cyst that looks like a mole or large freckle (brown though not black as would probably be the case with a carcinoma).

I am self employed and usually do not have enough to pay for Medical care (esp. at todays rate / charges).

Are there any qualified professionals out there that might know what this might be and what the best way for a low to moderate income individual like myself, would be to get checked / diagnosed ?  

[vGolf]

I have a similar pain in the centre area of my back that is more of an ache as well but it also goes into my rib cage area at the front. If I press it firmly at the front it does hurt a bit and I am having trouble sleeping without discomfort.

[handytech]

I have the utmost sympathy for you with respect to your problem.
Hopefully we will both find the medical help / feedback ( with respect to our medical concerns....however at this point, I seriously doubt that the answer(s) will come from this  'ghost town' of a medical forum.

It appears that the those who would be / could be in a position
to help...are too busy playing golf, or 'diddling' their nurses rather than helping out.

Never before have I seen a forum where there are so many Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Question's( add infinitum...Hello....any body out there) and yet no ( or at least very few answers).

This is apparently an all but abandoned web-site where at least...at one time...some well meaning person had a good idea
, but the week link in the chain appears to be: apathetic avarice minded(not to mention...anything but philanthropic) medical professionals who won't lift a finger unless there is a buck in it somewhere for them.

When you hypocritical ...Hippocratic oath takers get back from your vacation in the Poconos [ you do the math ]. I present the challenge to all of you abacus rattling, ostensibly caring medical professionals…to apply your God given talents towards a cause where the almighty buck does not weigh in the balance!

[Learner1]

The mens forum is new & it doesnt have a doctor on it to answer questions like some of the other forums.  You have to pay on some of the others to have your questions answered from the doctor.. this like the womens is just people 2 people.  We try to help answer anything  we can but you might want to try one of the other forums to get a def answer.  Sorry!

[pigeontravels]

I also have same problem since last 2 years.  

[dasdasd]

if the pain is severe and constant, if it wakes you at night, if it gets worse when you lay down, if you have any disturbance in your bladder / bowel function or weakness in your walking, if you have any unexplained weightloss - then you are advised to return to your doctor and state your concerns.