Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 1/18/2008

Question
I am 26 years old and have no hx of breast cancer in family.  I have been experiencing pain in my left breast only x 6 months. I feel pain to touch, for example when someone is hugging me or direct touch to areas and sometimes a dull ache. The tenderness does not increase or decrease with my menstrual cycle. I recently underwent a diagnostic ultrasound which showed "focally thickened tissue in multiple areas suggesting fibrous changes. No concerning masses. Normal sized axillary node."
I am concerned because I feel pain in these thickened areas and right where the lymph node is and so I wonder if this warrants further examination such as a mammogram or MRI. Is there any condition that may describe my current situation? I was only prescribed Vitamin E and mainly am concerned that I have had these thickened painful areas for 6 + months and they do not resolve. Thank you.

Answer
With a family history of  breast cancer & fibrocystic breasts you should have regular breast check ups with mammography, ultrasound breast scans & MRI breast scans and whenever necessary needle biopsies of any seen lesions. At your present age your risk is low even with a family history and your described symptoms are not alarming in any way (rather typical fibrocystic breast symptoms). That condition (fibrocystic) is hormonally dependent and will be with you until after menopause. Good luck!