Question: I am a 69-year-old woman who is experiencing a lot of soreness in my breast and on the left side of my body. This has been going on for about 18 months, and sometimes is so severe that it wakes me up at night.
I have had several tests including a mammogram and ultrasound, which came up clean. There is no history of cancer in my family, I don’t smoke, and I eat healthfully. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Breast pain in the postmenopausal years is of concern. Although the majority of breast malignancies are not tender, the simple presence of tenderness does not exclude the presence of a cancerous growth process.
The imaging may be helpful, but without a proper breast examination report to refer to, it really is a matter of guesswork. I recommend you consult with your private medical doctor to further evaluate your breasts and the discomfort you describe.
Are you taking hormone replacement therapy or some additional products that may contain or be converted to the hormone estrogen? Some other medications, including cardiac medications such as aldosterone, may also cause breast discomfort.
Approach your doctor with your medicine list, both prescribed and over-the-counter, and have this further evaluated without delay.
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