Worried about Padgets - getting taken seriously

Hello 

I am 28 and have been breastfeeding my two kids since 2020. my right breast i have never been able to feed off (very painful deep in the breast)  however since 2020 has slowly started to look different despite me not feeding from it. For the last year the nipple has been itchy on and off, some days more severe than others. The skin has started to flake and feel dry, I get sores, the nipple and surrounding is red/pink always, I can’t remember when it looked “normal” or like the other side!!! two years ago I went to the doctors for a lump on this side which they said was just scar tissue from having had mastitis a few months prior. However this lump remains exactly the same and I can’t find anything online about mastitis leaving scar tissue (it’s like a ridge). I’ve tried thrush treatment for my breast in the past but my main concern is the change in look of the nipple and surrounding. I feel medical professionals never take me seriously because I am young and breastfeeding. I never go to the doctors unless very unwell as I don’t like feeling I’m wasting their time, however this is starting to effect me mentally and I feel I’d benefit from more than a prescription cream but to actually have an ultrasound. Am I being silly or is there a way I can approach my doctor about having an ultrasound? I’m adopted but am aware that breast cancer runs in the family. 

My husband has asked me to reach out to the Gp as he’s now worried about the change in appearance 

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn that you are having symptoms that you are worried about and because of your age, you do not feel your symptoms are being taken seriously.

    Unfortunately, as cancer information nurses on a helpline, we cannot diagnose or say what is causing the symptoms. It needs to be a doctor who can examine you and refer you for any necessary tests.

    Do make an appointment with your GP, and tell them what your concerns are so they can examine you. They will be able to prescribe medication and refer you for tests if needed.

    It is important to know that the symptoms you are having do not mean it is cancer. Non-cancerous breast lumps are common for example, fibroadenomas ( lump made up of fibrous and glandular tissue). It is also worth knowing that hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menstrual cycle can cause symptoms such as itchiness and soreness around the breast.

    You may find it helpful to read Breast Cancer Now's information on breast lumps and benign (not cancer) conditions here.

    It is always best to be safe and get any persistent symptoms checked out. I hope this information is helpful and I hope you can get this sorted soon.

    Take care, all the best

    Jemma