Hello and thank you for your post.

I am sorry to hear about the problem with your breast and I can appreciate that you have some concerns about it.

An infection can happen even if you have not breast fed and sometimes an infection will not respond straight away to antibiotics. It is reassuring to know that you have been referred to the breast clinic because this will be the best way to get your breast checked out and find out what is the matter.

You can discuss your concern that you have cancer with the breast team when you see them.  At the breast clinic a triple assessment may be done if it is needed, this is a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.  You can read more about these tests (which includes a punch biopsy)  and how they are carried out on our website, click here  to see it.

In the meantime if you can, please stop searching for a possible diagnosis on the internet as doing this can often cause unnecessary worry.  Remember that the symptoms of cancer are the same symptoms that cause far less serious conditions. 

I hope you have support from people around you and that your breast clinic appointment goes well. 

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline