Lump on nipple?

[blackflame1389]

I found a small, hard lump where my areola and nipple meet.  I went to the doctor, she said she "thought" it was a sebaceous cyst, gave instructions to apply hot compresses and antibiotic ointment, and told me to come back in a week.  During that week, I followed all instructions to the letter, and there were no changes.  When I went back, she had another doctor examine the lump, and he said it "doesn't seem to be malignant."  Neither prescribed any medications for the bump or for infection prevention.

It has been about a week since that last appointment, and I've noticed that my areola is puffy and never seems to completely contract (which it used to do) when cold or stimulated.  I've tried to make it respond normally, but it doesn't.  When it does contract, there are areas that still stay puffy.  A dry patch has mysteriously popped up on my breast, right next to the area on my nipple that has the bump.  (I've never had a problem with dry skin on my breasts; I still moisturize but completely avoid the nipple on that breast.) I went back today, and the doctor said she didn't see anything different or concerning, but referred me to a breast specialist/surgeon for another opinion.  

Something just doesn't seem right, and I'm concerned.  Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas as to what it could be?  There is a family history of cysts deeper in the breast tissue, but no cancer that I know of.  I would rather be proactive and it turn out to be minor than not worry and it turn out to be something serious.

[katarina777]

IT DOESN'T SOUND TO ME LIKE YOUR PHYSICIAN IS WORRIED ABOUT YOUR BREAST AS MUCH AS SHE IS WORRIED ABOUT HERSELF BEING INEXPERIENCED. THAT IS WHY SHE ASKED FOR THE OTHER DOCTOR TO LOOK AT IT. BUT SINCE IT IS STILL THERE SHE WANTS TO MAKE SURE IT'S NOTHING SERIOUS JUST IN CASE SHE AND HER COLLEGE ARE MISSING SOMETHING. FOR HER PIECE OF MIND AND YOURS.

[japdip]

I think you are wise to see the Breast Specialist but this could very likely be a skin problem. I'm sure he/she will be able to shed some light on the subject. In the meantime I don't think I would be squeezing or stimulating the area as this may only serve to complicate matters.   Regards ....