The vast majority of the time, a swollen breast, red skin, or a bruise is the result of an infection, an allergy, or an injury — not cancer. The challenge is that all of these symptoms also can indicate inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare but aggressive form of the disease that’s easy to misdiagnose.
People also ask, when should I worry about a bruise on my breast?
Answer. As PJ says, an apparent bruise on the breast that doesn’t heal could be a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), especially if you have swelling, warmth, and skin dimpling.
An early sign of inflammatory breast cancer is discoloration of the breast. A small section may appear red, pink, or purple. The discoloration can look like a bruise, so you might shrug it off as nothing serious. But breast redness is a classic symptom of inflammatory breast cancer.
Secondly, why does my breastfeeding boob feel bruised?
A plugged duct is when one of the ducts (tubes) that carries milk from the “milk factory” in your breast to the nipple is blocked in some way—usually by a thick clump of milk. It might be tender or feel bruised, and you may be able to feel a lump.
How long does a bruised breast take to heal?
A hematoma is similar to a deep bruise. Most hematomas will heal on their own. Healing may take from 4 to 6 weeks or longer. Very large hematomas might have to be surgically drained.
Can pumping cause bruising?
Too large of a fit, and the compression of the tissues surrounding the ducts and channels carrying your milk out become the issue, blocking the release of milk and thus hindering overall output and long-term supply threshold. It may also cause bruising to the breast tissue.
What does a breast hematoma feel like?
Diagnosis of a Breast Hematoma
In other words, they look like a typical bruise. In addition, hematomas are often palpable. That is, you can feel them under the skin as a lump. In the breast, a small hematoma might be the size of a cherry.
How do you know when a bruise is serious?
See your doctor or visit State Urgent Care right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Abnormal bleeding in the gums, frequent nose bleeds or blood in the urine or stool.
- Frequent very large, very painful bruises.
- Numbness or weakness anywhere in the injured limb.
- Swelling around the bruised skin.
What does mastitis look like?
With mastitis, the infected milk duct causes the breast to swell. Your breast may look red and feel tender or warm. Many women with mastitis feel like they have the flu, including achiness, chills, and a fever of 101 F or higher. You may also have discharge from your nipple or feel a hard lump in your breast.
How do I get rid of a bruise on my breast?
Most breast injuries will heal on their own in a few days. Cold compresses can help with bruising and pain, but you should contact your doctor if: the pain is uncomfortable.