One breast larger than the other

[Kpettitt]

Hello.  I've noticed this week I have one breast larger than the other one.  It hurts like an ache kind of on top and deep under the breast. It itched a lot lady week but since then has not.  It feels more dense and full than the other one.  I'm having shoulder blade pain and nerve pain that radiates down my arm. I figured the back and arm were a pinched nerve or something but the breast change has me scared and not sleeping. I'm calling my OBGYN on Monday. This is Saturday. I have already taken antibiotics due to other illness and dental surgery and my breast has not changed for the better. I'm just curious about other people's experiences and first symptoms and what your outcome was. Thank you!!!!


This discussion is related to right breast pain.

[zouzi]

You are welcome.
IBC presents similar to mastitis (Breast infection). This type of breast cancer is very rare and usually
present with rapid unusual increase in breast size, redness, rash, persistent breast or nipple itching, (that is unrelenting and unrelieved by oral drugs or topical agents) lump or thickening of breast tissue, stabbing pain, feverish breast, swelling of lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone, dimpling or nipple retraction. The skin of the breast may also show the pitted appearance called peau d'orange (like the skin of an orange).
I strongly doubt that you have IBC, since you don’t mention any other symptoms aside pain and swelling, which is mostly due to other benign causes. Mammograms and Ultrasounds are very important  tests to start with to check for lumps or other abnormalities that may be causing the symptoms you have described. These tests including a physical examination may show findings that could be suspicious for IBC. If there is suspicion,then a biopsy would follow to know for sure if cancer is present.In my opinion a Breast Specialist/Surgeon would be a very good choice to evaluate your breast problem.
Take care…

[Kpettitt]

Thank you for your response. I'm not on birth control. I had my tubes tied 3 years ago after I had c-section. I'm not pre menopausal yet either so I'm thinking hormone changes may not be the culprit. I'm not taking any kind of hormone. I actually noticed this a little over a month ago but in the last week it was very noticeable the size difference. The aching is more intense too. My main concern is not being taken seriously enough. I've read that mammograms and ultrasound don't usually show IBC. That's nerve racking too, seeing that that is what they'll want to do first. I hoping to get an appointment directly with breast cancer oncologist when I call tomorrow.

[zouzi]

Hi,
Unilateral breast enlargement and pain could be due to many benign causes and not necessarily breast cancer.It could be due to fluctuating hormones, palpable or non palpable lumps, infection, injury etc...Also women on contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have slight breast enlargement, usually bilateral, but sometimes it may be only on one side. These are two of the most common causes of noticeable one-sided breast enlargement.
Although breast pain is rarely associated with breast cancer,it is important not to ignore any changes. If you discover one sided breast swelling, with or without any palpable lumps,I would advise you  to consult with your doctor for a clinical breast exam and if necessary, order breast imaging exams (such as mammography or ultrasound) to help determine exactly what is causing the pain and swelling to confirm a diagnosis.
Best wishes…