[34F] Experiencing intermittent breast pain and swelling with lymph node involvement

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Mastitis: This is an infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness. You might also have fever and chills. Mastitis most commonly affects women who are breast-feeding (lactation mastitis), but it can occur in women who aren't breast-feeding and in men.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help with the pain.

• Breast Abscess: This is a painful collection of pus that forms in the breast. Most abscesses are caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria enter your body through a damaged area of skin, such as a cut or bite, and travel through your lymphatic system to your breast tissue.

  • Treatment for a breast abscess involves draining the abscess, either with a needle or through a small cut in the skin. Antibiotics are also used to clear the infection.

• Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This is a rare type of breast cancer that develops rapidly, making the affected breast red, swollen and tender. It occurs when cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels in skin covering the breast, causing the characteristic red, swollen appearance of the breast.

  • Treatment typically includes chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and hormone therapy.

• Breast Cyst: This is a fluid-filled sac within the breast. They are usually noncancerous (benign). You might need treatment if a cyst becomes large and painful or if you have multiple cysts.

  • Treatment might involve fine-needle aspiration, which involves drawing the fluid from the cyst to collapse it.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms and the potential seriousness of some of the conditions that could be causing them, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider immediately.
2. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms in detail, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and any associated symptoms.
3. Write down any questions you have for your healthcare provider ahead of time to make sure you get the information you need.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• If you develop a high fever or your symptoms significantly worsen.
• If you notice any new lumps in your breast or armpit.
• If you notice any changes in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling or puckering, or changes in your nipple, such as inversion (turning inward).

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.