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Male Breast Cancer fear

jimg
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Hi all, I'm Jim. I hope you don't mind me sharing my situation. Before Christmas, I felt stiffness to the right of my areola, outside it, tender to the touch but not otherwise painful.

I soon noticed a wart like raised lump ON the skin justabove the areola about 1.5 centimeters in size. It was attached to my skin by a flat pink piece of elastic-like compound I guess. It doesn't bleed even when 'picked at',but (too much information I know!)  hasn't responded to creams or lotions but hadn't grown either. 

I have noticed a bump under my areola/nipple which feels firmish but quickly smoothes out on gentle rubbing. 

I've read diagnosis and pathology items on Google which seem much more informative than the usual site summaries. It's hard not to think I have a very high chance of malignancy despite the rarity of the disease.

I'd be really interested to hear other people's experiences if you relate to mine, especially about the raised lump I described. From what I've read gynecomastia seems ruled out. I am hoping to see. Doctor this week but admit I'm pretty terrified of what may lay ahead.

Thanks for listening

  • Hello jimg,

    Thank you for posting.  I see from your post that you are worried about some symptoms you have.  The best thing to do is to go and see your doctor about these problems.  When you are worried that you may have cancer, it can be tempting to look for answers on an online, but this can end up increasing anxiety rather than making you feel better.  And the only person that can diagnose you is your doctor.  

    I hope your appointment goes ok,

    Moderator Anastasia

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    Hi Jim, hope you're ok and your results were good ones x

  • Offline in reply to Cazzyjojo

    Thanks Anastasia and Cazzyjojo. I'll try to update as things unfold. I hope your own situations are positive if affected!

    I took a hormonal nasal spray for two years for severe nasal polyps and that could be the root cause of my problem. The main symptoms are single breast enlargement and this wart like lesion above the nipple I described before which has rough surface (on and slightly above the skin) fixed but not hard nor I think growing,  is over a centimetre wide and long.

    Would you think a doctor would be fairly sure on visual presentation whether it's likely to be bad news? 

  • Offline in reply to jimg

    Hi Jim, 

    I would think a GP would have a very good idea as there are common  signs we've all to look for. I don't suppose they like to say too much because without further tests, nothing is conclusive. Yes please keep us updated. It's a terrible worry. I've been waiting months now, had a lump on my jaw. Had a chest x-ray which showed changes in the chest cavity. Something is there but they're not sure what. Had CT Scans yesterday and see a lung specialist on the 23/1. All from a daft lump on my jaw!! So let's hope we both have good news. 

    Take care x

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    Hi Jim,

    Welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear of your symptoms. People think of breast cancer only affecting women. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for men to have it too. Try not to pick the lesion, as this will make the area sore and could introduce infection.

    Consulting Dr Google at this stage is never a good idea. Much of the information there is out of date, poorly researched and hones in on the more spectacular cases. This only ends up scaring you even more. If you have to research this, try sticking to the well respected sites, like this one.

    We were all terrified at your stage, so you are not at all unusual in this. There are just so many unknowns that it is so daunting. You will find it better once you have had some tests and begin to know what you are dealing with.

    Most doctors working with cancer all the time, could probably smell it at 50 paces. Your GP may do a  physical examination and if he is at all suspicious, he will refer you on to the breast clinic for further tests. You are usually seen there within 2 weeks. At my first visit 10 years ago, my surgeon told me that he was pretty sure that I had cancer, but would wait on my test results before committing himself. Unfortunately, he confirmed that it was cancer a week later. Most doctors don't like to comment either way until the test results are retuned. 

    Of all the people referred to the breast clinic only 1 person in 8 will have breast cancer, so the odds are still in your favour. I sincerely hope that the news is good for you. Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on at your doctor. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine

    Thanks for your lovely reply. I appreciate it very much. Your story is uplifting and I take strength from it. These probably sound like platitudes from me, but not atall. I'll keep you posted on my situation. And really hoping it's good news for you Cazzyjojo x

  • Offline in reply to jimg

     

    Hi Jim,

    My fingers are crossed for you!

    Jolamine

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