Not diagnosed, pain, strange symptoms and possible lump

Hi, I'm 36 years old and I've never really had any issues with my breasts before and unfortunately don't have any family history regarding breast cancer because I was adopted. I have been on hormone replacement therapy for six years after losing my ovaries to PCOS and I know that can increase your risk. Over the last while I have noticed some concerning changes to one of my breasts. The first is that it is quite painful, especially when squeezed closer towards the aereola and the nipple. I honestly have not been that great at doing self exams so I am not sure what I am feeling for when I am checking for lumps. There is a spot to behind my nipple and towards the armpit side of my breast that feels very hard and does not move when I press on it or squeeze it. It’s about the size of a quarter. The pain is actually really intense when I squeeze it or push onit and sometime I experience a burning sensation in the tissue in that area.

Other odd changes I have noticed are I keep getting red bumps around the bottom of my aereola that at first I thought were pimples but they can't be popped and they eventually turn a really deep purple color and they won't heal. I also have had my nipples pierced for about 7 years. The ring on the breast with the issues has been pushed out. It wasn't infected or oozing any liquids or anything it just got pushed out of the skin over the course of a couple on months. I thought that was very odd as my other one is fine. I can’t think of any reason why this would happen

Anyways, I'm really scared of doctors and I don't know if I'm being alarmist as I really don't know if what I'm feeling is actually a lump or if the symptoms I'm experiencing are actually symptoms of anything at all. So I thought I'd post here and see if I could get some feedback. Thanks in advance for your h

I just saw your post as well. Yes, there is no denying that you are scared but you need to follow up with your doctor ASAP -if you describe you symptoms, they will usually rush you in.

I was an extremely early detection thanks to consistent mammograms at the same clinic and very thorough radiologists. Mine was caught when it appeared as nothing more than pixy dust. So I am a poster child for early detection and being your own help care advocate.

Please see your doctor. I will say that after my lumpectomy, I too found a very painful lump. My oncologist saw me the same day I called - I was across the driveway for a mammogram and an ultra sound and then back across the driveway to my oncologist. She had the report before I had returned. What I had found was a lymph gland. My oncologist told me that breast cancer lumps are rarely if every tender to the touch.

I hope that helps calm you while you wait for your doctor appointment.

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1.5yrs clean and on Tamoxifen