Can itching of the breast be a sign of cancer?

Question

For about 2 weeks I have itching of my left breast in the areola. I feel an urge to scratch and then is OK, however it repaeats during the day, I do not see anything strange apart from a bit of red skin caused by scratching, I am worried, could it be a sign of cancer? or just skin irritation? I am 53 years old.

Answer 1

Probably bra irritation or laundry soap or bath soap irritation or dry skin, but get routine mammograms to be safe.Here is a link...

Low Cost or Free Mammograms or pap tests in your area
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp

Answer 2

This is not likely to be cancer and, yes, it is probably a skin irritation. However, the type of cancer (IBC) that would be more likely to cause itching is not detected on most mammograms.

So while routine yearly mammograms should be part of your medical care if you are over 40, and you should have other screenings if you are at a high risk of breast cancer no matter what your age, these are not the tests for you right now.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) can cause itching, usually is not associated with a lump, and usually cannot be found on a mammogram or other tests such as ultrasound or MRI that are usually used to detect breast cancer!

Since you have had this for two weeks (not two days) I think you should most definitely see a doctor and describe your symptoms in detail. Ask if they have any experience with inflammatory breast cancer specifically.

If this symptom does not go away or you develop any other symptoms, such as redness or warmth of the breast and other symptoms detailed on the web sites below, get to a doctor IMMEDIATELY, because IBC Is a very aggressive form of breast cancer.

Good luck.

Answer 3

My breast was itching in Feb 05 and got a lump which had been there b4, but felt harder. I went for a check and they wanted a mammogram, then a sonogram then a biopsy.

The biopsy showed no cancer. The doc said "90% chance that it's cancer free." I asked what about that other 10%???
He said well, biopsy COULD be missing a cancerous cell.

I had the lump removed and it was a very small stage 1 cancer that was confined to the center of the lump and was not in my lymph nodes. So now I'm 2 years free of cancer, which is the time frame when 85% of cancers return.

Get a mammogram!!!!!
And please don't worry but just be safe!
Sometimes you create your own luck.

ps An amazing thing: the doctor told me that most breast cancer is there 9 years before it is detected

Answer 4

Some kinds of breast cancer have the symptom of itching. But itself cannot conclude a cancer. I have learn some information from "www.smile.org.au", really suggest you visit the website. Now just cite a small piece of information:

"Paget's disease is a rare, slowly growing cancer of the nipple.Symptoms of Paget's disease include persistent redness, itching, oozing, crusting, and fluid discharge from the nipple or a sore on the nipple that does not heal. Typically, only one nipple is affected. Treatment and prognosis for the disease are directly related to the type and extent of the underlying cancer." (Source: www.smile.org.au)

"Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)-- the main symptoms of IBC are breast swelling, inflammation, pink, red, or a dark colored area (erythema), sometimes with texture similar to the skin of an orange (peau d'orange), ridges and thickened areas of the breast skin, an area of the breast that is warm to the touch, what appears to be a persistent bruise, itching (pruritus) that is unrelenting and unaffected by medicated creams and ointments, increase in breast size over a short period of time, nipple flattening, retraction, or discharge, breast pain that is not cyclic in nature and may be constant or stabbing, or swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or above the collar bone. Since many of these symptoms mimic a breast infection, doctors frequently treat inflammatory breast cancer merely as an infection. When symptoms do not improve after antibiotic treatment for the suspected “infection” only then is the inflammatory breast cancer diagnosed." (Source:http://www.smile.org.au/cancers/breast%20cancer.htm)

The website also tell you how to self-exam breast cancer.
However, the safest way is to visit a speciality doctor. Cancer is possible to be cured in the early stage.

Answer 5

I sure can't say if itching is a symptom but what I know for myself was that about two weeks prior to my having any knowledge of any problem or any suspicions I started having an itch in what I know now to be the exact spot of my cancer! But it may have all been a strange coincidence because I've not heard of itching as a symptom at all.

Answer 6

You need to go get a mammogram to diagnosis breast cancer. But, like the others have said it could just as easily be skin irritation.

Answer 7

I'm sorry to hear that, yes it is something that happends when...some women develop breast cancer! BUT I would not worry till you see a doc. And since you are noting having, anything else happen...it could be the first sign...SO CHECK IT SOON!!! Here are some web-sites to help you understand better!

Answer 8

Its probably just an irritation from your bra or washing powder or something. Try using an E45 cream for a bit to soothe the itch but I would consult your doctor if it doesn't help after a few days.