Pain under arm pit and breast discharge

Hi 

wondering if anyone can help as I'm unsure either to go to the doctors or not , I have been getting a clear discharge from my left nipple on and off for about a year recently I have now got a lot of pain in the left armpit also and now the discharge is a sort of puss colour which is comming from both nipples (but still more so the left than the right)  and it has a really bad odour , a couple of years ago my left breast had doubled in size and had went rock hard and also had alot pain in it . when I went to the doctor about it they didn't do any sort of check and just sent me away told me whatever it was would be going away if it didn't feel as bad as before  which I think it's putting me off going again the pain in my breast is also back now and I'm just unsure what to do with the pandemic I don't want to waste any of the nhs time but I am getting worried now 

thank you 

  • Hello NisbetA

    I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing problems that you're having with your breast. 

    Please do not feel that you're wasting anyone's time. It's important that you contact your GP to discuss the changes that you've experienced. 

    If you'd like to chat with one of our nurses for some support you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). 

    Let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  •  

    Hi NisbetA,

    A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry to hear of the reason you've joined us for. I fully agree with Jenn's advice. We are always advised to get any breast changes checked out without delay. You are certainly not wasting anyone's time. It can be difficult to get an appointment due to the current pandemic. Your GP will probably give you a telephone consultation initially, but s/he can see you if deemed necessary. Can you tell me what age you are? Sometimes doctors dismiss the symptoms of younger people, because they are less likely to have cancer, but unfortunately, this is no guarantee.

    I can understand your reluctance to see the same GP again and, I am sorry that you had such a bad experience. Is there a female GP in the practice, or can you maybe make your appointment with another doctor who might be more sympathetic? I sincerely hope that they can shed some light on your symptoms and that you will get on better this time. 


    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on . Remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Jenn

     

    Thank you for replying to my message really appreciate it and I will definitely get it checked thank you! 
     

    Kind regards 

    xx

  • Hey Jolamine ,

     

    thank you so much for your reply and the reassurances , I'm 24 I had thought that because I am younger it may be more likely to be dismissed. There are other doctors in my practice so that is an idea I think , thank you for you kind words also 

    best wishes

    xx

  •  

    Hi NisbetA,

    There is no way to diagnose cancer without having tests. For your own peace of mind try to persuade your GP to refer you to the breast clinic, where they will carry out these tests, if they feel that there is the slightest chance of something untoward. It usually takes 1-2 weks to get the results of these tests back, so you are unlikely to get any results at your first visit.

    I am glad to hear that there are other doctors in your practice who you could consult. You have had these symptoms for quite a while. Please don't delay in contacting your GP.

    Don't forget to let us know how you get on. I hope that you have a better experience this time and, that there is a simpler solution for your symptoms.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx