Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Brownish Marks On Left Breast?
Question: For several months I have had a few redish/pinkish/ brownish markings on my left breast. The left breast is also slightly larger than the right. I do not feel any lumps. These spots have not gone away and I go through bouts of pain and swelling in both breasts, the left one more swollen. I had a hysterectomy 6 years ago and have an extensive family history of breast, uterine, and cervical cancer. I did have pre cancerous cells on both cervix and uterus before removal. Advice?
Brief Answer:
Please see description
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and the image attached. As you mentioned that there is family history of cancer so first thing that i would recommend you is to have a yearly medical examination as you are high risk patient. Now coming over to the current issue. I can guide you in a better way if you can answer following questions:
1. Is there history of itching?
2. Do you have children?
3. Are you on any kind of medication?
4. Have you gained weight recently? If yes then did marking appear afterwards?
5. Is there history of nipple retraction?
6. Any history of discharge from nipple?
7. Has the color over skin of areola changed?
8. Does breast feel warm on touching?
I will be looking forward for the answer to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You
Please see description
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and the image attached. As you mentioned that there is family history of cancer so first thing that i would recommend you is to have a yearly medical examination as you are high risk patient. Now coming over to the current issue. I can guide you in a better way if you can answer following questions:
1. Is there history of itching?
2. Do you have children?
3. Are you on any kind of medication?
4. Have you gained weight recently? If yes then did marking appear afterwards?
5. Is there history of nipple retraction?
6. Any history of discharge from nipple?
7. Has the color over skin of areola changed?
8. Does breast feel warm on touching?
I will be looking forward for the answer to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Yes, there has been itching. I have two children and have had four pregnancies. My breast feel warm when the become swollen. No inverted nipple. No medication. And my initial weight gain was right after my hysterectomy but nothing recently. There has been a very tiny amount of discharge from the right nipple. I think the last time was a few months ago, I think it was clear. My aeriolas are slightly darker than before.
Brief Answer:
Fungal Infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank You for writing back. I have gone through your answers. Compiling the problems mentioned above, my provisional diagnosis will be fungal infection of skin and mastitis. In order to confirm the diagnosis you need to visit a dermatologist who will look at the marks followed by taking a sample from your skin and perform KOH test which will confirm the diagnosis. Bouts of pain & swelling in breast can be hormonal as well.
In the meanwhile i would suggest you following things:
> Maintain hygiene.
> keep skin dry after taking shower.
> Apply ketoconazole cream twice a day
> Use shampoo containing ketoconazole & selenium sulfate for rinsing daily.
> Take acetaminophen for pain. These are over the counter medications.
If condition starts improving in few days along with markings then it is fungal infection and you can continue the treatment else kindly visit dermatologist.
General Advise:
As you mentioned that you have family history for cancer so i would recommend you to undergo yearly examination including mammography. Also frequently examine your breast for lump. If you find any lump then you should report to your gynecologist without delay.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Wishing you good health.
Fungal Infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank You for writing back. I have gone through your answers. Compiling the problems mentioned above, my provisional diagnosis will be fungal infection of skin and mastitis. In order to confirm the diagnosis you need to visit a dermatologist who will look at the marks followed by taking a sample from your skin and perform KOH test which will confirm the diagnosis. Bouts of pain & swelling in breast can be hormonal as well.
In the meanwhile i would suggest you following things:
> Maintain hygiene.
> keep skin dry after taking shower.
> Apply ketoconazole cream twice a day
> Use shampoo containing ketoconazole & selenium sulfate for rinsing daily.
> Take acetaminophen for pain. These are over the counter medications.
If condition starts improving in few days along with markings then it is fungal infection and you can continue the treatment else kindly visit dermatologist.
General Advise:
As you mentioned that you have family history for cancer so i would recommend you to undergo yearly examination including mammography. Also frequently examine your breast for lump. If you find any lump then you should report to your gynecologist without delay.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Wishing you good health.
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. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
