Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 11/3/2007

Question
I have been having breast pain for about 3months now.  Starting out in the left breast now in both.  I found a lump in left about a month ago, in same area where I often get a sharp stabbing pain in the breast.  As well I have pretty constant pain throughout both breasts.  Doesn't seem to be cyclical (although I'm documenting).

My family dr. did a clinical exam and felt the lump, then I asked for a mammogram.  Mammo showed "fatty tissue" where the lump is.  He is sending me to a general surgeon but I'm still waiting to get an appt booked (almost a month now).  For the past wk I've experienced some swelling in my breasts.  And this started right after I finished my period.  I occasionally get a burning feeling underneath my breasts.   

I am 32 yrs old and have a 2aunts with breast cancer as well as a family history of all kinds of other cancers.  I'm petrified that I'm being pushed aside and that this may be something very serious.  I've actually had 2 anxiety attacks in the last week.  

What can I do to get my dr.'s to take me seriously?  And is there another condition that may be causing these symptoms?

Answer
Pain is not often associated with breast cancer. However without an examination I can not be sure of anything. A case like this is hardly anything for a family dr. Apart from mammography a breast MRI scan could give much valuable information! Since the lump can be felt a needle biopsy would immediately identify what it is! Actually with your family history - at least with regards to its breast cancer cases - I think any dr. should take you seriously! So I suggest you look for an experienced breast surgeon or an oncologist for a second opinion! Good luck! Please do keep me posted!