I Started Estridal (sp?) And Medroxy/ Progesterone 4/1/2019. Don't Know

Posted on Wed, 21 Aug 2019

Question: I started estridal (sp?) and medroxy/progesterone 4/1/2019. Don't know if that matters. 8/27 I found about 'half a Hershey bar' in my right breast, on the outer edge. I knew it wasn't good, really bad actually, but I have an appointment with my gyn 8/8. I haven't told my husband, sister or father. I checked it again tonight and it feels even worse. Can it change that fast? It's very hard with some squishy parts, and still tender to touch. If you can feel the lymph nodes, I felt them. Or maybe it was swollen glands. I'm not scared for myself except for pain. I'm afraid to tell my husband. Probably a stupid question, but does it sound like cancer?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This seems more likely to be an infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for sharing your health concern with us.

I have gone through your query and would like to share some information.

From the description you have given, it seems more likely that your present condition is due to an infection. The fact that you are on hormone therapy for the past few months raises the suspicion of possible breast tenderness and lump formation. Though prolonged hormone therapy raises the risk of breast cancer, you do not fit into that category. Moreover, the presence of pain goes more in favor of an acute condition.

Please inform your husband and go for the planned checkup. If you cannot wait, please opt for an immediate clinical opinion. A sonogram/mammogram should clarify following a proper clinical assessment. Analgesics and antibiotics may be prescribed and hormones should be stopped if possible.

Please stay assured. Avoid tight undergarments and use loose fitting cotton clothing.

Hope I have answered your query. Please let me know if I can assist you further.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (1 hour later)

What kind of infection could it possibly be? Just some ideas- I know you can't diagnose. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing back.

Cysts and adenomas of the breast have been reported to occur after use of hormone supplements. If such a mass happened to occur, there is a chance that it could also get infected. Going by your symptoms of tenderness, quick growing mass, associated lymph nodes, succulent feel of the mass, I have the suspicion of a possible infection. Mastitis is usually a generalized one and no specific masses are usually palpable.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to contact for any more clarifications. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj