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Category:

Breast Abnormalities and Other Symptoms

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Question:  #61 8/30/2009		Q:	My brother is 34 and about 2 weeks ago asked me to feel a pea size lump in his breast. I told him to ask his Dr. at his well visit scheduled in 1 week. His lump now is about the size of a golf ball. His Dr. ordered ultrasound and during ultrasound the woman excused herself and came back and told him he would also need a mammogram. Since Wednesday when test was performed no word from Dr.Now Saturday chest wall is discolored and rough texture noted to breast and lateral side of chest. NO history of breast cancer in family. With the above symptoms how likely is this breast cancer? or what else should we be thinking? Due to the rapid nature of this should he be urgently placed in the front of the line?? His Dr. was to call him on Friday and did not.
		A:	breast cancer in general doesn't grow with that kind of speed. but clearly something abnormal is happening and biopsy is probably the next step. not sure where he lives but if he wants to come our way just call 443-287-2778 and we can get him in this week.
Question:  #62 8/30/2009		Q:	RE: Hi, I am 53 (post menopausal) and have been diganosed with multiple breast cysts in both breasts recently. My problem is that I found a small 2mm hard round lump at 6 oclock in periaerola - been there for 3 months. Hi again, and thanks you for your prompt reply, I have a couple more questions regarding a 2mm hard lump in the periareola region that did not show up on Mamogram or US (I belive that Digital Mamaogram was used and the latest US was done by a brand new machine). Should it be biopsied? Does the nipple usually have to be removed for biopsy of a lump so small? Am I over reacting or is it best to go with a gut feeling? -
		A:	it would seem very unusual to need to remove the nipple for such a biopsy. without seeing you and doing a proper evaluation face to face there isn't a way to determine if biopsy is or isn't needed. if you want to come our way just call 443-287-2778.
Question:  #63 8/30/2009		Q:	I will be 47 next week. I had a hysterectomy in 2007 due to fibroids - uterus and cervix gone but they left my ovaries alone. I had a breast reduction in 2005. I am not on any type of medications and have never had any type of hormonal treatment as there has been no need. The only history of cancer in my family is my aunt with breast cancer. In the begining of this year I noticed my left breast was a little larger than the right one. I had my annual mammogram in June of this year. I was relieved and pleasantly surprised that it came back normal. A couple of weeks ago I noticed that it was slightly larger than it was so I scheduled an appointment with my general doctor because the womens center wouldn''t let me come back without a referral of some sort. My doctor examed my breasts and agreed that the left breast was slightly larger than the right. I explained that the areola sometimes looks bigger and then back to normal. He stated that it probably isn''t anything serious but gave me a referral for an ultrasound for that breast so I would have peace of mind. He also stated that sometimes with age and changing hormones, etc. that a breast changing in size can be normal. I have never heard of such a thing, is this true? Is there something else I should do? My ultrasound is this Monday. I appreciate any advice as I want to make sure that I am doing the right thing. Thank you.
		A:	it is true that breast size can change from hormonal influence. think about it-- when a woman is pregnant her breasts can get huge. sounds like you are doing the appropriate follow up to ensure all is well.
Question:  #64 8/29/2009		Q:	Hi, I am 53 (post menopausal) and have been diganosed with multiple breast cysts in both breasts recently. My problem is that I found a small 2mm hard round lump at 6 oclock in periaerola - been there for 3 months ( Which is why I went to the DR in the first place. The cysts - 8 of them - were an incidental finding). The lump was felt by my Dr, Surgeon, techs, but does not show on Mamogram or the first ultrasound. When a second US was done - 3 weeks later it showed minimal thickening in the subdermal skin in that spot - but no actual lump or cyst is visible. My surgeon flatly refuses to do a biopsy. He said it was too small for a FNA (fair enough) He examined me my while I was seated only, not lying down and stated that it did not feel like a cancer, but then said he would not be able to biopsy it without removing entire nipple! I did request a biopsy, as my grandmother and her 2 sisters died of BC. He wants to keep an eye on it - but we cannot see it on imaging. I am really concerned as it is totally different to the cysts (no pain) Should I get a second opinion? I just have a very bad feeling about this lump. I am cool with the cysts - they do not concern me. Am I being a neurotic female? (that''s how I was made to feel, after requesting the biopsy)
		A:	it's worth a second opinion (and BTW, if the mammo wasn't a digital mammogram it might be more visible if you got that type of imaging.)
Question:  #65 8/29/2009		Q:	i got breast cancer last year i was going to a clinic and they kept telling me i was depressed and couldnt find anything wrong with me..finally after 4 monthsi seen a nurse practioner and she said she was going to look for cancer..just before i went bach to get my exam a lump came up that was not there as i did my exams..could 4 months have made a differencein my treatment had they ran blood work and did an exam..i was really tired ,had no energy and was sick i couldnt eat and lost 17lbs..
		A:	it really depends on the stage of the disease and some prognostic factors about the tumor itself. for women with stages 1,2, or 3 usually weight loss, feeling sick DOESN'T happen at all as a signal there is cancer. there are no blood tests for breast cancer either.
Question:  #66 8/29/2009		Q:	i was diagnosed with stage 3 brest cancer and had spread to my lymph nodes 2 out of 9..i had 6 treatments of chemo then bilateral mastectomys..after that i had physical therapy then 28 treatments of radiation..now they suggest i have my ovaries and uterus removed because i am estrogen positve is that a routine procedure..and are there risks..
		A:	ovarian suppression by medications (lupron shots) or surgical removal is commonly recommended today as a way to further reduce your risk. keep in mind that stage III breast cancer has a high risk of recurence locally and distant too into other organs. it behooves you to do all you can to prevent that from happening.
Question:  #67 8/29/2009		Q:	For about 3months now both of my breast on the upper sides have been sore and kind of hard.Also I am leaking yellowish fluid from both breast.Please help I have no insurence to see a doctor.Im really worried.
		A:	it's better to have this happening in both than just in one. when it is occuring in both we think more about hormonal changes being the culprit. you may qualify for a clinical breast exam at the health dept. give them a call.
Question:  #68 8/29/2009		Q:	I''m a 49 year old female and for the last few months I have had dry itchy skin on both of my areola. It does not affect the actual nipple whatsoever and the rest of my breast is fine. The skin is not warm and the rash is not raised, just itchy. I find some relief in using Eurcerin to moisturize the skin but it does not make the rash go away. What could this be? I think I am beginning to have symptoms of menopause - could this be part of that?
		A:	when we see things happening in both breasts it usually is hormonal changes that are causing it. sounds like some relief is achieved with lotion. try lotion that is extra strength for dry skin and has no scent. (frangranced lotions can irritate nipple/areola more)
Question:  #69 8/29/2009		Q:	I am 54 w/history of heterogenously dense breast (moderate). Previous mammo (not digital)indicated a tiny lymph node was partially visible in the right axilla. I am now experiencing shooting pain from under my arm to the nipple of right breast. During last exam extreme sensitivity in my left breast. Digital mammo & ultra sound was ordered. No solid or suspicious mass was identified. Tenderness of left breast is still there 4-weeks later. Is it normal for lymph nodes to be visible? Should I pursue further testing? In addition for the last few years my WBC has been on the low side of normal. Thanks in advance for your review and response, I don''t want to over re-act, but I want to know that I doing the best thing for me!
		A:	the breast tenderness and the lymph node are probably not related. it is very common to see nodes on breast imaging studies. doesn't mean anything is wrong with your node either.
Question:  #70 8/29/2009		Q:	I''m a 39 yo female. I have had 2 biopsies in past several years. benign fibroadenoma on left, and now fibrosis on the right. (the latter was birad4 before biopsy. radiologist said the ''fibrosis'' was actually an unidentifiable fibrous glob). But luckily benign. My concern is that my areola''s have not been in sync for several years now. There is a tiny hypoechoic lesion at 11:00, .5x.6cm that was never biopsied. I believe this is under the nipple? In the past year the changes have become more clear. The right areola is larger and there are white shiny patches, along with swelling. Mostly on the lower part of the areola. Sometimes they look similar, but the right one is def doing it''s own thing. And the swelling is the most recent change. The nipple is sore and sometimes a tiny bit itchy. One time it was flattened out, but it returned to normal afterwards, although the nipple changes direction now and pulls slightly. the nipple no lnger looks centered in the areola. I am seeing the breast surgeon next week, and I don''t want to sound nuts asking about this. There is no discharge. If there is a cyst or fibro under the nipple, would that change the color and size of the areola? Thanks and sorry if I am just being paranoid. I always thought it was strange that the spot where I see changes was never biopsied. thanks!!!!
		A:	cysts don't cause nipple or areola to change. they can cause nipple discharge but that doesn't sound like the case for you. without the ability to do a clinical breast exam i'm kinda stuck. so time to go to a breast center (not just a mammography facility) and have a thorough clinical breast exam done there.
Question:  #71 8/28/2009		Q:	I''m a 45 yr old male. I was told today by my doctor that the chest x-ray that I had done due to certain symptoms in the chest area, showed nodules in behind the breastplate. He has recommended CT scan (which will be schedule asap). My symptoms are soreness in my chest, mainly my center to left side. I also have described that I have a sticky type sensation in the same area, along with a tingling sensation from time to time. My question is while waiting for the CT scan to be done is there any information that I can obtain that might comfort me during the waiting time.
		A:	oh my. anxiety provoking for sure. I'm not quite sure what you are dealing with but it doesn't sounds like breast cancer or a breast abnormality. things behind the breast bone and inside your chest cavity. at this point you would be best served staying off the internet trying to self diagnose and distracting yourself until this CAT scan is done and answers are forthcoming. take care. L
Question:  #72 8/9/2009		Q:	my fathers family for 4 generaltions have all died of different forms of cancer unless they died accidently. At 46 I was dx w/ stage IIIA invasive ductal ca. Iam 9yrs out. Now at 54 I have Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma w solid focal tumor necrosis. What are the odds of my having braca1 or brac 2 genes? Is there any place to have the testing Free or at decreased cost?
		A:	I'm assuming that you now have had breast cancer in both breasts over time. that is a risk factor for heriditary breast cancer. Having a family history of "cancers" though actually doesn't impact genetic predisposition. if these cancers were breast or ovarian, then the odds are higher, particularly if they were first degree relatives of yours and in looking back over your family tree there is a pattern of these types of cancers on one side of your family (mother's or father's). Another factor is age-- being diagnosed with breast cancer premenopausaly. so sounds like this is worthy of a genetics counseling consultation. I'm not aware of any place that offers the test for free or at reduced cost since there is only ONE lab in the country that does the actual test. your blood can be drawn virtually anywhere but it is all sent away to the same place.
Question:  #73 8/9/2009		Q:	I was treated for Right breast intraductal and infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma moderately to well differentiated breast cancer Stage 3, 5cm tumorin 01 at MD anderson with chemo 1st, then mastectomy then 6wk radiation. Last week I was diagnoses with left breast invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 3, 3cm tumor. the first surgeon said i should have surgery in 4 wks or less or the cancer would be in my lymph nodes or blood stream if it isn''t already. The md at MD Anderson said I would probably have chemo first. Why would one recommend surgey 1st and the other chemo 1st?
		A:	not sure why they arn't in sync with one another. usually tumors 3cms or larger is a ticket for chemo first to shrink it down and make the option of lumpectomy more feasible, if you are interested in that surgical option this time. if you want to do mastectomy for personal reasons (symmetry for example) then it is logical to press forward with surgery. studies have not yet shown that there is survival benefit in doing chemo first, with the exception o inflammatory breast cancer that is not operable until the chemo clears the skin of the breast making mastectomy possible.
Question:  #74 8/8/2009		Q:	How often does a Seroma occur after a Lumpectomy? and is it usual to have to have it drained more than once.How long should the breast be tender? I had my lumpectomy 9/10/09, followed by Boost radiation with a Savi, then 26 conventional radiation treatments.Thank you.
		A:	about 30% of the time so quite common. not usual to need it to be drained several times either. what is more common though is for women having axillary node dissections without a drain placed, this is pretty much a given that a seroma will form and warrant draining. i'm not actually sure when your surgery was due to the date you recorded being in the future and not in the past. if you mean a year ago then there is surely no need to be worrying about this now assuming all is fine and the seroma is long gone. women have reported breast tenderness after radiation for as long as a year. some even longer.
Question:  #75 8/8/2009		Q:	Hello. I am 40 years old and just had my first mammogram. They called me back and said they need me to come in again for more views. There is a nodule in left side and a 4mm cluster of califications in the other. I would think that if it were of great concern I would be called back in sooner- but the time between appt''s is 4 or 5 days. Can you give me your thoughts regarding this? I have no family history as I am adopted. I would have had a mammogram earlier but I have been pregnant and/or nursing for the past 4 years. Thank you.
		A:	actually, in the scheme of things, 4 to 5 days is considered quite fast. You need to ask a few questions-- 1) what is the bi-rad score assigned by the radiologist to the results. this will tell you how concerned the radiologist is about it being breast cancer or not; 2) ask if the cluster of calcs are new and if on magnification they look like they have irregular edging. that is a significant deion if they are and would mean a higher risk of it being an early stage breast cancer. can't comment on the nodule due to no deive information about it.
Question:  #76 8/8/2009		Q:	Left breast core biopsy reads: dcis solid & cribriform, grade 3, comedo necrosis present in 75% of ducts, stromal invasion suspected, microcalcifications identified, ER and PR negative, HER2/neu overexpressed 3+. Completed chemo for Stage 1 ovarian cancer 11/08 and 3/09 scan is clear, BRCA testing is negative. Oncologist is pro double mastectomy as am I. Gynecological oncologist is pro lumpectomy with radiation. None of the research I''ve done sounds like my DCIS is the "good kind". I don''t want a recurrance. Thanks for your input.
		A:	i'm actually surprised you tested BRCA negative because these kinds of findings, including the path prognostic factors are what are commonly seen for someone who carries a gene-- ovarian cancer and breast cancer that is hormone receptor negative is what i am referring to. makes sense to go for broke and do bilateral mast with recon. let the gyn onc doctor focus on your health below your waist and let the breast specialists deal with it above your waist. L
Question:  #77 8/8/2009		Q:	My friend had a bilateral mastectomy (Nov 2008) with tissue expanders inserted the same day. Path report rt breast 2 mm tumor (Grade 1 lobular ca),Her2 Neg but Estrogen/progesterine postive. The left breast showed no lesions on mammogram but MRI show an area of vascularity with no noted mass. That area was marked the day surgery and pathology was in citu ductal carcinoma. The sentinal node bx of both the right and left arm was negative. No complications post op. Tissue expanders removed and silicone implants inserted in Mar 2009. Back to surgery Jun 2009 for revision of scar and nipple reconstruction. Has been on AI (Arimedex)since Jan 09, developed severe hot flashes, entire body would turn cherry red. Was placed on neurontin twice/day. July 09 noted ulcers and lump in mouth, went to dentist and placed on antibiotics prophlacticlly (mouth x-rays indicated no abscess). Three weeks later mouth sores and lumps returned with additional lumps on top of left wrist and below right breast bra line. Seen by plastic surgeon since lump below breast was draining clear fluid. No cultures done. Placed on levaquin. Two days later felt a lump in right axilla. Unable to be seen by her oncology dept until Sep. What is your opinion. She is very frightened about some type of cancer.
		A:	first, double check the measurement of the tumor-- 2 mm is about the size of a pinhead. it would be very very unusual to find cancer that tiny on imaging and of course there would be no way to feel it on a breast exam. did you mean 2cms instead? she had very favorable prognostic factors and a grade 1 means very very very slow growing. it would also be very unusual to do bilateral mastectomies for such a tiny tiny cancer. and i've never seen anyone on hormonal therapy after bilateral mastectomies for cancer that was nearly non existent. so double check the information. mouth sores are not related to hormonal therapy. the bigger question is why is she even on hormonal therapy following bil mast with 2mm cancer. nodes enlarge when there is infection present by the way...
Question:  #78 8/8/2009		Q:	I am 28 years old and have recently found a oblong shaped lump in my left upper breast @ 12 o''clock approx 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. It is painful to touch but otherwise doesnt hurt unless I take a really deep breath then it feels like it hurts all the way through to my back!! My mother has had 3/4 of one breast removed and 1/4 of the other removed. My grandmother currently is living with lung cancer with mets to the bone. I am very concerned and anxious but unsure if I am over reacting also. I currently do not have a family doctor and am unsure of how to approach this and find a good doctor for this sort of thing. Thanks!!!!
		A:	it would be unusual for breast cancer to cause this kind of pain you are describing from a small lump in the breast. also odd for alump in the breast to cause radiated pain like that. bottom line though is time for a clinical breast exam and an ultrasound of the breast. might be a cyst or even an abscess. L
Question:  #79 8/8/2009		Q:	I an 30 yrs old and have noticed that over the last 4 years my right nipple will retract. it doesn''t happen often, maybe 5 times in the last three years. the rest of the time everything seems normal. I did have an abortion 4 years ago and had never had any retracting before then. Could this be related? and should I be concerned?
		A:	no related... since it goes in and out (vs staying in which would be worrisome) it might be something being the nipple/areolar space that is tugging in it-- maybe a cyst. see you gyn and request an ultrasound in breast imaging.
Question:  #80 8/3/2009		Q:	Hello I am 32 yrs old with a 5mm mass with cluster microcalcifications that look very suspisious they said adn have sceduled me to see a high risk dr. thta will talk with me and schedule a biopsy for me and and talk to me about what is happenng. Any imput would be great. It is a hard no movable lump about 9 o''clock in right breats.
		A:	I'm glad you are acting on this finding and have direction. First important step is to have a biopsy and definitive diagnosis of this mass. That most likely will be done as a core biopsy in dr's office. If cancer, a visit to surgical oncologist is next likely step to talk about treatment plan--type of surgery and possible systemic treatments (medical oncologist referral). Take all this one step at a time. Get the diagnosis and then go from there. Hoping for the best. ds
Question:  #81 8/3/2009		Q:	My question relates to menstruation and my cancer. Unfortunately, my surgeon did not give me quality information about my cancer(thus-seeking a new doctor)my question is this. 40 yrs old, still menstruating-over the last 6-9mo my periods have become shorter, but have had an increase of bloody mucus. Could this be ralated to the cancer or could I be closer to menopause? I am very regular, take no hormones or birth control. Thank you.
		A:	It could be perimenopausal symptoms, it could be related to side effects of treatment like chemo or hormonal therapy. It could be a seperate problem from your cancer. I hope you have gyn who knows your breast cancer history and does good screening. Please share changes with gyn. One can worry about lots of things being related to cancer once experiencing a cancer diagnosis. Best to check it out. ds
Question:  #82 8/3/2009		Q:	I recently had a lumpectomy for a grade 1 2mm invasive-non invasive in situ. The centinel node was removed. The lumpectomy and centinel node were both clear. A temporary catheter was inserted during surgery because I chose to have the mammosite radiation. My surgeon removed the temporary catheter and was trying to insert the catheter for the mammosite radiation when I felt such a terrible stinging pain that she had to quit with the insertion. It was the worse pain I have ever had. She told me I would not be a good candidate for the mammosite and that I would have to do the external radiation. I am 69 years old and do not like the idea of doing the external radiation because of the size and type of cancer I had. Could I still have surgery to insert the catheter for the mammosite radiation or should I tell my surgeon that I prefer to use a cancer drug. Since my cancer was slow growing and the margins were clear and at my age does this sound like I am making a good choice.
		A:	I don't think it sounds like a good choice to forgo radiation based on what you are telling me. External radiation is a standard treatment with lumpectomy for the cancer you describe and your age. ds
Question:  #83 8/3/2009		Q:	Hi Lillie, Which is better for picking up DCIS, a mammogram or an MRI? Also, does having the BRCA 1 or 2 gene make for a more aggressive form/grade of breast cancer? Finally (I promise!) is BC in two breasts more indicative of having the BC gene than only one breast? Thank you for your time. Wonderful site.
		A:	MRI tends to be more sensitive, but not as specific ie you will get a lot of biopsies that are nothing with MRI. However, mammogram is still the upfront screening test for most women. BRCA1 and 2 tumors can be more aggressive as they tend to have more triple negative breast cancers, esp for BRCA1. And yes, BC in two breasts has a higher likelihood of the patient being BRCA1 or 2 positive and this is even the case when the two occur asynchronously (one after the other) as well as at the same time.
Question:  #84 8/3/2009		Q:	I''m taking your advice from a previous post and will be arranging a f/u ultrasound on a complex cyst despite a negative BSGI. As I will be starting over finding a local dr, do I go to a gyn or a surgeon? When I went for the diagnostic mammo they did the normal 2 views and sent me to ultraound for the one area...mammo showed nothing, not even cysts but (I suspect due to perimenopausal hormone changes) I have a number of palpable cysts in both breasts (which is why I got sent for the BSGI..). What is appropriate? Do all the cyst feeling lumps need to be ultrasounded? Is it best to go early in my cycle? I know that most women have some cysts and that they come and go so how do I know what needs to be checked and what I can ignore? I can''t find a center near by where the radiologist actually does the ultrasound and the rad who did the BSGI warned me about using ultrasound as f/u because it is so operator dependent...Many, many thanks....
		A:	Because it sounds like you have many cysts and not just this one, I think going to a major academic medical center may help you with this. They may have MRI facilities and/or better mammography techniques (digital) to do the upfront screening, and then could make decisions on ultrasounds and what needs to be biopsied. Seeing a breast surgeon (not ob/gyn) is usually the person who will do biopsies, though often times the radiologists will do the initial biopsies as well.
Question:  #85 8/3/2009		Q:	I am 47. I have recently read about a connection between breast cancer and melanoma occurance. I have had 3 in situ melanomas excised. I also have had stereotactic breast biopsy for microcalcifications, which came back as benign, and had a lumpectomy in same breast that came back as benign with fibrocystic changes and papilloma. My repeated mammograms and ultrasounds for the last 8 years have me categorized with "complex, dense breasts". Would you recommend a breast MRI? I just don''t feel that the mammos and ultra sounds are enough for my peace of mind. Thanks.
		A:	There really isn't any strong genetic link between melanoma and breast cancer; but if you are unhappy about screening, then do get a 2nd opinion. Dense breasts often are difficult to image by mammography and you may be a candidate for breast MRI.
Question:  #86 7/27/2009		Q:	I have a long history of multiple cysts, many very large.My breast tissue is also extremely dense. I have mammograms aided by CAD, and ultrasounds routinely. In an attempt to provide better visualization prior to these studies my Dr. has preformed multiple breast aspirations on many of the larger cysts. I understand that trauma to breast tissue can possibly result in calcified cysts, does this include aspirations and core biopsies. I already have one calcified cyst and one acorn cyst. What if any additional adverse effects can be cause by aspirations and core biopsies. Thanks,great website.
		A:	Everyone is different and certainly trauma can lead to abnormal appearances by imaging. However, it sounds like with such dense breasts that MRI of the breasts may be a better option for you and I would encourage you to talk to your doctors about this. Best wishes!
Question:  #87 7/27/2009		Q:	I am a 33 year old female, with one child (a 16 month old). I finished breast feeding 4 months ago and during the course of my year breastfeeding, I had many bouts of mastitis - perhaps 9 or 10 (I honestly lost count). I believe all but one (or perhaps 2) of the infections were in my right breast. My family doctor presumed the recurring mastitis was related to my excessive milk supply. While weaning my son, I suffered a severe bout of mastitis in my right breast and was on 3 successive rounds of antibiotics. The mastitis and flu-like symptoms eventually cleared. A month ago (3 months after weaning my son) I had a mammogram and an ultrasound. My family doctor said that the radiologist''s report stated that there was some skin thickening in my right breast and hypothesized that this may be due to remaining inflammation from the many bouts of mastitis. My doctor performed a clinical breast exam and said it was fine (no peau d''orange). I am scheduled to have a repeat mammogram in 3 months. My doctor says that she is not concerned. Several years ago my doctor sent me for an ultrasound based on her findings from a routine breast exam on my right breast as well - there was no lump, just some hardness. The ultrasound report stated that my right breast was just dense. Should I seek a second opinion or does it seem reasonable to wait the 3 months for another mammogram? Thanks.
		A:	With your history it sounds reasonable to wait for 3 months as it does sound like residual inflammation. However, if you are truly concerned, it never hurts to get a 2nd opinion. Best wishes.
Question:  #88 7/27/2009		Q:	My daughter is just turning 10 and is flat chested, however her right side nippple area has turned hard and she complains that it hurts. It is hard to the touch and painful for her. I plan on taking an appt with her pediatrician on Monday. Is this common or serious. What could this be?
		A:	She may be at the beginning of puberty where one breast is beginning to bud and is sensitive. Good to ask the pediatrician and help prepare her for developing if that is what it is. ds
Question:  #89 7/27/2009		Q:	I am a 25-year-old female. At 17 I had a lump removed from my breast, then two years ago after having my son and while lactating I began to leak what I thought at the time was milk from under my right armpit. It wasn''t sweat, it was really more like breast milk and quit a bit of it. My son was in the NICU at the time so I asked a few nurses at the hospital about it to see if they had ever heard of anything like it and they basicly laughed it off so I was too embarresed to ask my doc at my appt.. My maternal grandmother recently passed away due to breast cancer. Is this a warning sign I should talk to the doc about or is there some other explanation?
		A:	There can be something called accessory breast tissue in the axilla with an extra nipple that allowed breast milk to leak from. I'm sorry for the nurses lack of sensitivity. It is not a warning sign for cancer, just extra tissue that you don't expect to find. You can share this experience with your doctor at your next visit to be examined. And you should include this area when doing breast self exam. ds
Question:  #90 7/27/2009		Q:	I just started taking bioidenticals. I''m 48 and had low estrogen 19. I taking estrogen drops,testosterone drops and progesterone cream and my rib cage hurts all day more so when I sit why?
		A:	Don't know. Do you have a diagnosis of breast cancer? If so, I would not recommend taking all of these hormones, and if your rib pain persists, please see your doctor. Best wishes.