Found a lump

[anchovies]

I found a lump in my breast about 2 weeks ago and as yet haven't gone to the doctors. It is quite deep in the middle and there definitely isn't a matching one in the other side. I am 25 so am I right in thinking it is probably a cyst or hormonal? I know I need to go to the doctors but for some reason I am a bit scared of going. Is is ok to give it another couple of weeks and see if it is hormonal or should I just bite the bullet and go and risk them saying its nothing?

[amynnixmum]

I know you're scared anchovies but go now. Your GP won't mind if its nothing to be worried about but it is definately better to be safe than sorry.
{{{hugs}}}

[bundle]

please go now, anchovies because i'll only worry....

[Newbarnsleygirl]

Go and get it checked asap. It will put your mind at rest.

[mammaitaliana1]

I have just been checked by a specialist, after my GP thought I'd better be referred. Believe me, having gone through this all once before, in 1999 (the other breast), it always best to put your mind at ease!

[SeaShells]

I would definately take the risk of going to the GP and have them say it's nothing, I found a lump in my breast at around 23 years old and was dispraught, I went to the GP and he was very understanding, he said that it was probably due to my monthly cycle and that if it did not go within a couple of weeks, to go back. Thankfully it did disapear on it's own. It's very scary isn't it, I'm sure it's nothing but better to have the doctor take a look, and put your mind at rest or you'll worry yourself sick.

[winnie]

anchovies, please, please, please go to the drs asap. If it is nothing: great. If it is something horrid it should be treated as early as possible. winniex

[anchovies]

I had a bad feeling you'd tell me to get on with it. Really dont want to go but have rang, can't get an appointment until friday with a woman. Will let you know what they say.

[bundle]

anchovies, well done. try writing down or rehearsing what you might say to her if you feel a bit embarrassed/worried.
some facts re: lumps - remember 9/10 are NOT cancer.

[handlemecarefully]

It is probably nothing (most breast lumps are), but bit the bullet and go asap anyway

[nutcracker]

I would definatly go. I found a breast lump when i was 19. I went to the g.p who said he was 99.9% sure it was nothing but that he would send me to the hospital anyway for peace of mind. After an examination and a little test i was given the all clear.

You won't stop worrying until you have been.

[anchovies]

Thanks everyone, especially for the link bundle. Its strange cos I didn't think I was worried but now I've realised I must be, even if its only subconciously!

[anchovies]

Got a cancellation at the docs this morning and have been referred to the hospital. They rang earlier to say they had an appointment on monday for me. Just wondering if anyone's got any idea what they will do? Haven't told anyone as dont want my mum to worry as she's had a cancerous lump removed before. Do remember her saying that her mammogram thing really hurt though? Will I have to have one?

[bundle]

anchovies i'm sure there was a list of the tests they do on that link below. i've been to one of these clinics (where do you live btw?) and met a nurse practitioner who did the tests and i think the commonest was a needle aspiration to get some cells (not as awful as it sounds apparently) and they're well used to women's anxieties so make a list and ask away, but i'm sure they'll go through it all with you. (i'm a radio producer btw, wasn't at the clinic for myself)

[bundle]

(i'm pleased you got to see someone so quickly, that's good news btw)

[nutcracker]

If i can remember it I was examined by hand first iykwim and then i had a needle put into the lump so that they could get some fluid for testing.
They i was sent for a scan and was going to have a biopsy done, so they numbed my breast but then the two guns that they use to do the biopsy were broken and so i couldn't have it done.

They said that they were only going to do the biopsy as extra anyway, they didn't think it was anytihng at all.

Anyway, a couple of weeks later the lump had gone.

[tamum]

At our local clinic they start off with an examination by one of the doctors, and follow that with a mammogram. If that shows anything they are concerned about, or can't interpret, then they do a needle aspiration. If that gives any cause for concern then it's a biopsy. Ours is a "one stop shop" so it's all done in one session, but some clinics will make appointments for follow-up tests on a different day. I was worried about the mammogram as I had heard it was very uncomfortable but I didn't find it remotely painful. I know some people do, but it's not inevitable (I would say, for the sake of comparison, nowhere near as bad as a smear, or an injection at the dentist!). Being told I had exceptionally dense breasts was a bit embarrassing mind....

Good luck with it. I do know how you feel.

[tigi]

i found A lump and doc said it was a string of cysts (i think), and tried to draw the fluid off with a needle,and none came, so I panicked more. i was referred to hosp, and doc said it was harmless, but they did remove it on day surgery (with a general) and it WAS fine. (they only removed it because i was in such a state!)

[anchovies]

Thanks, had a look on the list on the link bundle but it was pretty long and was concerned that I might be getting all of them! Have got a feeling the tests will be done at once as she said it would take an hour, aspiration thing sounds horrid. Doctor said she didn't think its a cyst as its irregular shaped and deep but I reckon she's wrong!

One last question, do people normally go on their own or can I get dh to come with me?! I dont want to look weird!

[Xena]

My DH came with me when I it done. I got the results a couple of hours later and it was good to have someone with me. Mine was benign (sp?)

[mummylonglegs]

Anchovies, me too! Almost identical to what's happened to you has been happening to me - same kind of lump in same place, noticed it about 2 weeks ago, finally went to the GP and have my appointment at the hospital next Wednesday. So we can compare notes maybe? I'm also quite worried even though I know it's likely to be ok. I'm a bit older than you, 37.

[pixel]

Mummylonglegs I'm 38 and I had tests last week because of dimpling on the skin of my breast. The nurse said that they usually do mammograms after the age of 35. My heart sank as I've always dreaded having it done but now I can honestly say please don't worry too much. Ok the squeezing sensation was rather unpleasant but it was bearable and really did only last for a second each time.
I also had an ultrasound scan which was obviously completely painless so no problem at all. I didn't even feel weird about being naked from the waist up in a room with three other people because they were so friendly and matter-of-fact about it. Unfortunately for me the tests did show a solid mass (which was why there were 3 people-second opinion)and I had to go back next morning for a biopsy. The worst part about that was the fact that I was so scared. I had an injection (very small like a scratch)to numb the area and didn't actually feel anything. They took three samples and I kept my eyes shut so I wouldn't see any needles but heard a loud click each time like a big staple gun. A nurse stayed with me for about 10 minutes holding a pad to stop the bleeding and then she put a dressing on it and brought me a cup of tea. We had quite a nice chat actually!

Well that's all really, except I have to go back next week for the results so fingers crossed. Those of you having the tests soon, please don't be scared, it won't be nearly as bad as you think, and that's coming from a complete wimp!
Oh and take a good book as you will probably be waiting around for ages.

[essbee]

Message withdrawn

[mummylonglegs]

Thanks for that info pixel. Sorry, don't mean to hijack your thread anchovies, I'm assuming all this will be relevant for you too. Pixel, can I just ask you something more about the test? I have to go at 1.55pm and have to take dd (2.5) with me as I don't have anyone at all who can look after her. Do you think they'll be able to do something like the mammogram with her there? I'd hate to go and not get properly checked. I'm not worried about pain side of things as have had quite major surgery in the past, I'm more worried about the fact I have to take dd! It was the only time they could give me and I didn't want to miss the appointment. Pixel, I hope your results bring you good news ... x

[sweetmonkey]

i found a lump last year and went to the docs who referred me to the hospital, i went alone and was quite nervous but was just pleased to be getting it sorted. i saw a consultant who examined me and sent me for an ultrasound, turns out it was similar to a cyst and was prob caused by me being on the pill and the change in hormones etc. he said is should prob just break down and go over time. there is still something there but not like it was and i know its been checked so its ok
good luck and let us know how you get on
take care