new finding

[1ironwoman]

I have NOT done a breast exam for probably years.  I am sick with another chronic illness that has made tending to other important things fall by the wayside.

I am 41.

I have discovered a very hard, cord-like mass in my left breast.  Part of the mass has a tip (tip about like a pea) that pushed my skin out, and perhaps could even break the skin if it were to grow.  The tip feels like a small pea.  The skin on my breast is very slightly discolored about 1.5cm surrounding where the pea-like part protrudes - like an almost healed bruise.

I did a full breast exam.  The mass goes from my aereola all the way to the end of the breast by my armpit.   There is NO pain until I get to my armpit, and then I have tenderness at the armpit. I lift my left arm and my breast indents along the entire course of the mass.  

I have a second mass on the bottom side of my same breast.  It is also cord like but it doesn't travel the extent of the breast -

Neither of the masses move - but the skin above and around it moves acrossed it.  

My left breast used to be larger than the right.  The left breast, has in the past, put out clear fluid with squeezing, but it does not do that now.  

I only have to wait 3 days for my diagnostic mammo/US.  But I have to say I don't like what I have found and I want to know if this is a classic presentation for breast cancer.  

[zouzi]

Glad to know that your mammogram and Ultrasound report were negative for cancer,and thanks for updating us...
Now that Mondor's disease has been confirmed,ask your doctor if applying warm moist compresses,gently massaging the breast and wearing a good supportive bra (not too tight)could help to heal faster.
Hoping that your other health problems will also be resolved soon.
All the best ...

[1ironwoman]

Thank you for responding.  I don't have cancer.  I have blood clots that blocked an entire vein - odd finding.  Actually two veins blocked.  and - it is just like you said.  Mondors.  Sigh.  I went there in my head.  I have another chronic illness that requires aggressive therapies - so I don't have a lot of tolerance to "worst case scenarios".  but your words are appreciated.

[zouzi]

I am glad you are having the Mammogram as scheduled.This is a very wise decision.
Being scared and worried is normal when we notice something in our breasts that isn't right, but we should always be concerned enough to get ourselves checked out.
You know we can't diagnose you here anymore than you can diagnose yourself. You need to be tested because there is nothing scarier than being in the dark Fear of the unknown is understandable, but ignoring it won't make it go away.
Keep in mind  that the vast majority of breast issues end up being benign conditions,so try not to think about the worst case scenario.Just go get your tests and find out what's going on .Hopefully it's nothing...
Good luck!!

[1ironwoman]

ok  I am listening.

You are right.

Truth is I am scared of what this is.

whatever it is, part of it is, it trying to break out of the skin by my areola.  it is rock hard - and large but more like a cord than a round tumor.  The second hard mass is underside of the breast and more longitudinal that the other mass longer mass.  Even the nipple area/areola indents with a lift my arm - it looks exactly how you don't want it to look when you read on s/s of cancer.  Sorry if I freaked out but I am freaked out.  Sometimes something inside you knows it should be but I am just I a human :(

[zouzi]

I think you are making a HUGE mistake to cancel your Mammogram appointment.Over the internet we can only guess what your symptoms could be,but it's NEVER a sure thing!!. You need to have the x-ray and maybe other tests if necessary to make sure that it's not something serious.
I really hope you will go ahead with the Mammogram so you can have peace of mind..
Life is precious!

[1ironwoman]

since my presentation does even remotely sound like breast camcer. I have decided to cancel the diagnostic imagine.  If my presentation doesn't not eve fit to one other who as breast ca - well - that says it all.
thanks.   I will give My Mondor problem time to heal.   it is just odd.  Never had trauma/surgery, painful vein, redness welling, gradual firming or bruising along any site.  So it is odd to have that the reaons.

thanks for helping me to not go too far with an medical issues that has nothing to do with cancer.  I sure don't llike the way to boob looks...perhaps aging is real issue

[zouzi]

If the Mammogram/Ultrasound or other tests,(if needed) confirm that it's Mondor's disease,it could take about 3 and even 6 months to go away,usually without treatment.
Please let us know when you receive your Mammogram results.
Again wishing you all the best..

[1ironwoman]

what if this has been there for months?

[zouzi]

Hi,
What you have sounds like "Mondor's"disease which is a rare benign disorder of the breast.It is a thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the breast.There is no obvious cause, but it can occur after strenuous muscular exercise, an injury to the breast, infection,inflammation,very tight clothing or breast surgery.
It presents as a cord like under the skin and could cause dimpling in the breast.Usually there is no need for treatment as it will get better by itself.
The healing could take up to 12 weeks or longer to go away altogether.
If what you have is in fact Mondor's disease,the Mammogram and Ultrasound will produce images of the breast tissue to make a definite diagnosis.
Best wishes and hoping that all goes well for you..

P.S Please,do not start a new thread if you have any additional questions or comments.It is better if you keep them on the same thread by using the space below the answer/s you have received.This helps to have all your information together so we can better help you.
Thank you.