Forum Discussion

scorpiowoman's avatar
scorpiowoman
Member
11 years ago

Bleeding duct

I have been seeing a GP in a Family Planning clinic about a breast problem that's developed over the past 3 months. I'm 40 years old with no family history of any cancers; breast or otherwise. Three months ago my left breast started hurting. Continuously. It also went up a cup size during this time. There is blood in the discharge from one duct and the doctor has referred me to a breast surgeon. My mammogram and ultrasound came back clear but it looks like I will be having a ductogram/ galactogram to find out what's going on. Unfortunately I have to wait until March to see the surgeon I was referred to. Since my mammogram the pain has increased and it feels like it's encompassing more of my breast. The doctor has sent me to my regular GP in the hope she knows another surgeon who can see me earlier. Is this long waiting period to see a surgeon usual if they suspect cancer? The family planning doctor says there's only a small risk of cancer but it telling me waiting that long is "not sufficient". She believes I will probably need the duct removed.
  • scorpiowoman's avatar
    scorpiowoman
    Member
    11 years ago
    Good news. I have been referred to another surgeon up the coast who will see me this coming Tuesday. Big sigh of relief that I don't have wait until March! My GP however was sadly lacking in the bleeding breast department. Vague comments regarding "inflammation" was all she could part with. I was too embarrassed for her to mention cysts, duct ecstasia and the like. So glad to be seeing someone specialising in the field. Thank-you Universe!
  • Yoga_nut's avatar
    Yoga_nut
    Member
    11 years ago
    Not everything is easy to detect on a mammogram and even on an ultrasound especially if you have dense breast tissue. I would suggest definitely pushing for a breast MRI ; even if it costs you some money it may well be worth your peace of mind . Be a squeaky wheel until you're happy ! If it's so sore you can't put your arm down and getting worse over the weekend you could always go to casualty and they may be able to push things along for you . All the very best, hang in there and I hope you're all sorted very soon :) Karen
  • scorpiowoman's avatar
    scorpiowoman
    Member
    11 years ago
    I think the surgeons here are a bit busy and have to obviously prioritise those who need immediate surgery. Trying for a referral in the Gold Coast region next.
  • scorpiowoman's avatar
    scorpiowoman
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks. Mammogram clear, ultrasound clear. Swabs showed blood and debris only. No pathogens cultured. Wednesday's Dr appointment will be a bit of a decider.
  • scorpiowoman's avatar
    scorpiowoman
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks Chris. The family planning Dr believes the galactogram results will result in an earlier appointment if it finds "architectural changes", so I am going to push for that also. It's so sore I can hardly put my arm down.
  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    11 years ago

    I am unsure of the method used by the family planning clinic. Mine was diagnosed by breast screen victoria and my GP got me into a Surgeon within days. The office manager at the doctors practice just pushed to get me an urgent appointment.

    Good luck

    Donna