01-23-2007 - Dear Tonya, I can understand your great concern for you sister. Chronic infections of the breast are very difficult to treat and oftentimes return even after surgical excision. Smoking is a common culprit for recurrent infections, which many times occur along the margins of the areola. Yet, it can be treated. Breast removal would be extreme. Dr. Webber, our breast surgeon at the Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center, is very compassionate; and has had experience and success with treating this problem for many years. I would recommend you and your sister talk with him. Sincerely, Dr. Kozlowski   « less

01-23-2007 - Yes, you are correct in your information. If a woman has a mother who developed premenopausal breast cancer, it is recommended that the daughter begin yearly screening 10 years earlier than when her mother was diagnosed. Although it may not be recommended by our primary care physicians, we, as individuals, must be proactive in our own care. In addition to mammography, breast MRI is highly recommended in women who are at high risk. At the Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center we have the only dedicated breast MRI unit in Tennessee. Sincerely, Dr. Kozlowski   « less

01-23-2007 - The description of the changes of the nipple areola complex may simply be eczema since you do have a history of eczema. It is important, however, to have this checked out by a breast specialist as Paget's Disease would have to be considered as well. If you have not had a mammogram recently, this should also be done at the time of your evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Kozlowski   « less

01-23-2007 - Dear Doris, It is good that you do not detect any swelling. The pain may simply be exertional. However, since the pain is fairly sharp and of concern, seeing your oncologist and having a medical professional examine you would be a good idea. Sincerely, Dr. Kozlowski   « less

03-27-2007 - Dear Pauline, Not knowing your age, itching oftentimes is hormonally related. It is a particular problem as women who are perimenopausal. It is due to hormonal fluctuations at that time in a woman’s life. Sometimes it can be postmenopausal when women are on estrogen replacement therapy due to excess estrogen. If a woman is premenopausal, it can also be due to hormonal irregularity. At any age, itching can be due to irritation to clothing or detergent. Rarely, it can be a sign of an underlying breast cancer.   « less

03-27-2007 - Dear Abbie, A mammogram can be uncomfortable for a woman but this discomfort does not last for any length of time. The most common cause of the pain that you describe is related to the chest wall pain with radiation to the breast. The type of pain you have seems to be intractable and is most often seen in women who are heavy smokers due to lack of oxygenation of the tissues. If you do smoke heavily, the best way to decrease this pain is to stop smoking. Smoking increases the chances of getting lung cancer and also breast cancer. The knots that you describe sound like that they are benign and not related to cancer. Be sure to keep your follow-up appointment.   « less