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Left Breast discomfort and swelling

pds
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Hello everyone! 

I am 33, no kids. In November I felt some left breast fullness while on holiday wearing a bikini. I had avoided wearing a bra for years and have big sagging breasts now. Feeling alarmed I got an ultrasound that showed normal. Got 2 OB/GYNs to look into it, they did a clinical exam and said all good. Suggested Vit E and Prim Rose oil. Got 2 more opinions in December by senior breasts oncologists who said that left breast has more tissue, including axillary and these are hormonal changes that I have heightened awareness of. They are common in women of 30s with late pregnancy as “breasts haven’t matured”. Blood work was ok except severe Vit D deficiency - taking supplements. I got my 10th doctor opinion in NHS just before Christmas who did a clinical check. Nothing. Ultrasound found a 2cm simple benign cyst on left but slightly enlarged lymph nodes on both sides. Said probably “reactionary” infection. Called me for another follow up end of January. I’m worried. 

From last check up to now, breasts feel lumpy, heavy especially worse during and before periods. Left breast is worse and feels bigger. I’m diagnosed with health anxiety too. Have taken opinion of almost 10 doctors now. Wondering what is happening. Getting severely stressed. 

Thanks! 

Parents
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    Hi Pds,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. 

    I am sorry to hear of your concerns and, having had 2 bouts of breast cancer myself, I understand them.

    Many women have naturally lumpy breasts and one breast is usually bigger than the other. It is also perfectly normal to have changes in the breast around the time of your period. The benign cyst that was found is of no consequence, unless it gets too big, in which case, it could be aspirated. Having seen so many doctors about this, I am sure that if there was anything untoward, it would have been picked up by now.

    Have you had any bother with your teeth recently, or even a cold or a sore throat? Any mild infection is enough to cause the lymph nodes to enlarge (reactionary), but they will usually settle down again, given time. Some can remain swollen, without anything untoward being found. Your care team are obviously being thorough, which is why they are bringing you back for a follow up appointment to check on your lymph nodes.

    Have you done anything to try and help with your health anxiety? It might be worth asking your GP for a referral to see if you can work on this.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi Pds,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. 

    I am sorry to hear of your concerns and, having had 2 bouts of breast cancer myself, I understand them.

    Many women have naturally lumpy breasts and one breast is usually bigger than the other. It is also perfectly normal to have changes in the breast around the time of your period. The benign cyst that was found is of no consequence, unless it gets too big, in which case, it could be aspirated. Having seen so many doctors about this, I am sure that if there was anything untoward, it would have been picked up by now.

    Have you had any bother with your teeth recently, or even a cold or a sore throat? Any mild infection is enough to cause the lymph nodes to enlarge (reactionary), but they will usually settle down again, given time. Some can remain swollen, without anything untoward being found. Your care team are obviously being thorough, which is why they are bringing you back for a follow up appointment to check on your lymph nodes.

    Have you done anything to try and help with your health anxiety? It might be worth asking your GP for a referral to see if you can work on this.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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