[41F] Experiencing persistent itching in breast and underarm with swelling

Patient Description

A 41-year-old female has been experiencing persistent itching in her breast and underarm area for several weeks. The itching is described as constant and spreads all over and around the breast, extending up into the armpit area. The patient reports no relief from the itching and has not been in contact with anyone experiencing similar symptoms. There are no visible bug bites or rash, but the patient has noticed thickening and lines on the skin of the breast. Additionally, a lump has been identified, and the armpit feels swollen, described as soft, similar to the feeling of engorgement when milk comes in after childbirth. The patient has also experienced night sweats but no fever. There has been a recent weight gain of almost 10 pounds in a short period. The patient is not currently on any medications and has no pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions might be causing your symptoms:

  • 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 of any age. The treatment usually involves antibiotics, and in some cases, draining the infected area.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics. If an abscess forms, it might need to be drained.

  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This is a rare type of breast cancer that causes the breast to become red, swollen, and abnormally warm. The skin of the breast may also appear pink, purple, or bruised, and it may have ridges or appear pitted, like the skin of an orange (called peau d'orange). These changes often occur quickly, over a period of weeks. Inflammatory breast cancer tends to be diagnosed at younger ages than other types of breast cancer.

    • Treatment typically involves chemotherapy, followed by surgery (mastectomy) and then radiation therapy.

  • Paget's disease of the breast: This is a rare form of breast cancer in which cancer cells collect in or around the nipple. The cancer usually affects the ducts of the nipple first (small milk-carrying tubes), then spreads to the nipple surface and the areola (the dark circle of skin around the nipple). The signs and symptoms include tingling, itching, increased sensitivity, burning, and pain. There may also be discharge from the nipple.

    • Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the breast (mastectomy), or to remove the nipple and areola (nipple-sparing mastectomy).

Please note that these are possible conditions based on the symptoms you've described. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can perform a physical examination and order tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, to determine the cause of your symptoms.
  2. In the meantime, avoid scratching the area as this can lead to further irritation or infection.
  3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid further irritation of the area.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • You notice a sudden increase in the size of your breast
  • You develop a fever and feel unwell
  • The skin on your breast changes in appearance, becoming red, dimpled or puckered
  • You notice further lumps in your breast or underarm area

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

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer?

Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth in the breast, skin changes such as dimpling or thickening (peau d'orange), and sometimes a lump. These symptoms can develop quickly over weeks.

How is mastitis different from inflammatory breast cancer?

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue, often associated with breastfeeding, and typically presents with pain, swelling, warmth, and sometimes fever. Inflammatory breast cancer, on the other hand, is a rare type of cancer that causes similar symptoms but also includes skin changes and does not usually involve fever.

What should I do if I notice a lump in my breast or armpit?

If you notice a lump in your breast or armpit, it is important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for a thorough examination and possibly imaging tests like a mammogram or ultrasound to determine the cause.

Can weight gain be related to breast conditions like mastitis or breast cancer?

Weight gain is not typically a direct symptom of breast conditions like mastitis or breast cancer. However, changes in lifestyle, stress, or other underlying health issues could contribute to weight changes. It's important to discuss any sudden weight gain with your healthcare provider.

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