Finding a breast lump at 33

[Laura1609]

I’m in a total mess about finding a breast lump a few days ago. I called the doctors first thing and was able to be examined by a GP today who has referred me to the breast clinic for tests next week. Has anyone else experienced this? And more to the point have some positive stories to share? I have a 15mo DS and the idea of this being anything sinister is making me feel physically ill. I’m not sleeping, can’t concentrate on anything and I’m just petrified. I know the odds are in my favour, I’m young and with no (close) family history of breast cancer but I also know it’s a possibility.
If anyone has been to a breast clinic will they do a biopsy as standard alongside an ultrasound and mammogram? I almost want a biopsy so I can be 100% certain x

[CardiganBlobby]

Hello - positive story to share here. I found a lump last November, I was 31 then. I was also referred to breast clinic and seen (took a while due to Christmas) where they did an ultrasound and a biopsy. They told me that it was a fibroadenoma - these are largely harmless - and sent me home. They called me back to say that the fibroadenoma should come out, which is more unusual, and said it was slightly abnormal. I had the op in March just before lockdown, which was really a more serious biopsy.

After the op they called me back and told me they found DCIS, or stage 0 cancer cells after analysing the breast tissue. They were in fact quite happy about this, and ultimately I was, as it meant we could get them out. I went for a second op in April and after that they confirmed that they had clear margins and they thought they got everything.

They did some MRIs to be sure (better for younger dense breast tissue) and by June I was all good. I'm now set for annual MRIs and mammograms to keep an eye on things.

Could not fault the care I received, especially in lockdown - the nurses will take good care of you.

My story is one of the less common ones - 9 out of 10 lumps are benign, the odds are in your favour!

They will very likely do a biopsy for you - my advice would be to take sports bra to help with compression afterwards. Please try to relax, it's really good you found the lump in the first place. Now you can do something about it! Good luck!

[Laura1609]

Thank you @CardiganBlobby for your reply.
I keep reminding myself that the odds are very much on my side, it’s just so scary to find these things isn’t it and easy to get into a Google rabbit hole of horror stories.
I hope you’re doing well and I’m glad they’re monitoring you yearly to keep a check on it x

[WentworthPrison]

I found one at about 37 years old. I was referred and seen at hospital. They did an examination and an ultrasound (they said mammograms aren't effective on younger people). They said it was fatty tissue and no need for biopsy.

[Rhine]

Yes. I found a lump last year at 36. Was referred to my local breast clinic for biopsy and ultrasound and was told almost immediately it was benign growth called a fibroadenoma. I returned a week later for biopsy results which confirmed it.