Breast Pain from thickening tissue

Hi everyone, I'm a loose end as I can't actually get a appointment with docs atm :( and the pain is driving me mad now. 

So a few weeks ago I noticed my left nipple reverted in and upwards, left two weeks to see if went back, it didn't infact I kept having burning Sting sensation and throbbing every now and again a sharp pain. 

Docs refered me to breast specialist,  he could see the change and did ultra sound , and then took a biopsy due to family history of women with breast cancer (infact all women on mother's side , at this time my mum actually had breast cancer for the second time  so didn't want to upset her or worry her as she was going through enough with all the operations and chemo and radiotherapy. ) 

So they took 6 samples from my boob. Ouch.

Two weeks later went back for results - consultant said it's normal for my age and nothing to worry about. But to keep checking regularly and keep an eye on it.

he said It's thickening of the tissue - he said it was duct ectasia. 

 I did ask what can I take to stop the pain I keep constantly getting in my left breast as it's still coming and it really sore sometimes. He told me to take evening primrose oil capsules which I've been taking. But they take months to take effect :(

I can't tell if it's related to my cycle as I don't have periods , haven't done for 7years. I have been logging it but can not see a regular pattern. 

Im 32 , only medication I take is the cerzetta pill to lower the estogen as a genetics consultant told me to take this 7 years ago as the cancer in the women are all estogen based - I'm awaiting my appointment with the genetics consultant again to discuss future medical concerns and possible removable of breasts and medications due to the fact I'm at high risk.  This isn't till August so a little while yet. 

Not sure why I'm posting but wandering if someone has tips to help ease the pain or what to ask docs for when I can get s appointment really? Anyone similar? 

Thanks 

Hope some can advise or help somewhere 

  • Hello there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about the breast pain you have and appreciate how unpleasant it can be.

    Evening primrose really can help with breast pain so continue taking it and hopefully you will get some benefit soon.

    Breast pain is extremely common it can be linked to hormone levels but also a muscle injury or inflamed ribs can also cause pain around the breast and tissues.

    Thankfully you have had investigations carried out at the breast unit and everything seems fine at the moment. Breast pain isn't usually a symptom of breast cancer but it can be a worry when it is ongoing with no relief.

    There is more information about breast pain here.

    Do take pain killers when needed and make sure you are wearing a well fitted, supportive bra as this can really help too.

    I wish you all the best

    Naomi

  • I was 28 when my breast ectasia started l have had lots of surgery to remove ducts then a reduction to remove the lower part of the breast and as many ducts as possible. When the ducts have been inflamed l can feel the duct it's like wire really sore the skin has been red. I have taken  loads of antibiotics and pain relief . Due to the recurrence of these symptoms they have given me an open appointment for the breast clinic they give me the next available appointment. 
    The surgeon and nurses have said that scans are only a snapshot of the day that they are taken on and things can change, they say come back if you need to anytime.

    Im now over 60 so it's been a long time l saw my surgeon last week she tried to give me another medication for pain relief but as l have a clotting condition they are not suitable for me but they may be for you. 
    lf you are concerned about your breasts l would give it three months and then go back so they can see if there is any changes. 

    There are lots of analgesics available from your pharmacy and l would advise to take them regularly to get the best results.

    Take care 

    Susie