Breast Changes

[raycesmom]

Doctor,
I recently visited my GP for a follow up on my cholesterol. The morning of my appt I noticed a blackish purple lesion on my breast next to my nipple. I thought it was odd and mentioned it to my GP. He said it looked like an infection, didn't exam it, and prescribed antibiotics. I wasn't comfortable with this, so I went to my OBGYN. He did a full exam on the breast (left side) and also diagnose me with a pinched nerve for some should and chest pain I am having. I noticed that the other breast is pinkish in color, it was never examined. My friends are telling me I am being paranoid and I am too embarrassed to go back to the doctor. During a self exam last night, I was able to excrete fluid that was greenish white. Also, some thick mucousy (like *****) discharge. THis morning it was clear with an orange tinge to it. I can get white fluid out of both breasts but only my left breast had the clear fluid. Now it is back to white. I have no pain, but my breasts have pink and tan discolored areas on both and the lesion that developed is not yet healed (it's been two weeks). I am too embarrassed of my own paranoia to go back to either doctor. Should I seek an exam from another doctor while the lesion is still visible? I don't really see dimpling or puckering, although it seems the right breast (which is more pink and not containing the lesion) is hanging a little lower.

Thanks for your help.  

[lizziecee]

Hi - I don't think you are being paranoid at all - any change in the breasts needs investigation.  Although I didn't have a discharge when dx with breast cancer, (I had a non palpable lump first seen on a 3 yrly mammo), I believe if you squeeze your nipples, fluid will come out as the pituitary gland will send prolactin to the breast. Not a good thing to do! If there is a discharge without squeezing, this definitely invites further investigation.

I would try and find a breast specialist - I don't think GP's and Ob/Gyns know enough about breast cancer, and certainly may have never seen inflammatory breast cancer. There is a good forum for ibc,used by survivors of ibc, with a wealth of information. IBC does not always present with dimpling or an inverted nipple. A punch biopsy of the affected area will give a conclusive diagnosis.  The forum is at: ibcatibcsupport.org.  You need to substitute the at with the ampersand key.  Of course, it could just be an infection, but I would have it checked out by an expert in breast care.
Liz.

[raycesmom]

Thanks for your help. Maybe I will get it looked at.

[raycesmom]

Well I had my breast checked out. The doc didn't say anything about the pink color and the discharge seems to be normal. However, I have a lump. I went in for an ultrasound and the lump is an enlarged axillary lymphnode. I haven't yet me twith the doc about it, she is out of town. However, the ultrasound tech said that it could be enlarged from collecting bacteria, etc. from the lesion. But the confusion I have (and I wil ask my doc) is how long should that node be enlarged from a leasion? It's been three weeks since I had it and the websites I have looked at tell me that it should be seen if enlarged for 14 days. I am nervous about what the doc says either way. I am afraid that she will dismiss it and I will remain nervous. I am also afraid that it may be something. I don't particularly want a needle biopsy but I would rather know for sure.

Maybe there is a different infection going on that I am unaware of??? Who knows. I can't wait to get my results from the doc herself, the technicians really can't tell you much about the prognosis.

Thanks again for your help.