I've found a lump

[pooopypants]

As the title says, basically

I've found a lump, at the bottom of my breast, where the breast tissue meets the chest wall tissue (?). It's about the size of a pea and slightly tender to the touch (my ribs are generally a bit sore though, I have a condition which gives me 'pressure points' and my ribs are one of them).

No family history of BC on either side. My menstrual cycle has changed recently, previously my cycle was approx 56 days and it changed about 4 months ago and now around 30 days (normal for most, not normal for me, I'd put that down to possible peri-menopause)

I'll obviously ring the GP tomorrow to get an appointment but a hand hold or advice would be amazing right now. I literally have zero idea of what to expect.

I have no advice I'm afraid but didn't want your thread to go unanswered so just a hand hold from me

Been there, and know how you feel.

The dr should do a breast examination. You can have a chaperone if you want. Breast appointments are usually referred under the two week wait so if the dr feels that it could be cancerous, or is uncertain, you should get a hospital appointment fairly quickly.

Breast cancer treatment is very good in this country. Most people survive it. I know it’s a scary time,but handhold from me also.

Handhold

No advice, but hope it all goes Ok.

As a general rule tender lumps or bumps are less likely to be sinister

Hello,

First off, don’t panic, most lumps are not cancer.

I had breast cancer four years ago, so the way it should work is GP will refer you under the two week rule. This is important, it doesn’t matter if the GP says it nothing, please insist on a referral.

At the Breast clinic you will get examined and probably get a mammogram/ultrasound that day. I got told that it looked like cancer there and then.
Next day I had a biopsy and it all followed from there.

However, I have had lots of friends find lumps and it’s not been cancer, there area multitude of other things it is likely to be, but the breast clinic is the best place to find that out.

I hope it is all ok for you x

Another handhold here, push for an appointment if you can, I know everything is difficult at the moment but think about what you will advise a friend to do

This was me two weeks ago!
I rolled over in bed and felt pain in my breast.
Found a lump, about the size of a marble.
Couldn’t sleep for rest of night.
GP appt (over phone) said same as @IzzyGee that cancerous lumps are usually painless and the fact that it had suddenly appeared suggested it was more likely hormonal related. He said usual recommendation is to wait for next period and see if it goes during the cycle....

Savoretti your GP really shouldn’t be saying that without seeing you. As a general rule cancer isn’t painful, but any lump should be checked out.

I’ve namechanged, but I have had BC and I’m pretty hot on women being checked properly x

The GP should offer a 2 week wait appointment at the hospital. I had similar to this just before lockdown started and had my appointment during lock down. The consultant was very thorough! My lump was sore to touch, after physical exam consultant said it felt like normal but lumpy tissue which is common and benign.
He sent me for an ultrasound the same day and this confirmed what he first thought. He also said that if I get more not to assume it is normal and to come back as they would rather see you than miss something.
Good luck with the doctor tomorrow

OP, I've had breast cancer so speak from having developed a little bit of knowledge and experience. Firstly the odds are well stacked against this being cancer, as the majority of lumps are found to not be cancer, so stay positive. Make sure you are referred for a mammogram, it will put your mind at rest.

Worth knowing that even the worst case scenario - that it is breast cancer - isn't as horrific as it sounds. Breast cancer is very treatable and survival rates are very high. I was unlucky, diagnosed against the odds after finding a lump, but treatment is all over and although it was rotten it was, for me, bearable and I'm now back to my old self.

your GP really shouldn’t be saying that without seeing you
@AvocadoPrime, what are you meant to do if the gp won’t see you.
I’ve got a lump under my arm which I’ve monitored for 3 weeks, phoned gp who prescribed antibiotics without wanting to see it and I’ve to wait another 3 weeks before they will see me in person.

This was me back in February. Referral should be quick. Had mammogram & ultrasound done. Was just a cyst, and is now part of my 'texture'!
Definitely make sure you get seen, put your mind at rest

@notsoprettywoman did you have any other symptoms to prompt the antibiotics?
When I first went to the doctors I saw a man who refused to check my breast even with a chaperone, he sent me away with antibiotics and said it was mastitis due to breastfeeding. I went and saw a different doctor who then made the referral after examination.
Ring them back and ask for a referral be firm with them, if doctor days no ask for a different doctor to call you.
I have a non related issue but it's taken me weeks of calling to finally get the referrals for ENT and a 24hr heart monitor. 3 weeks isnt acceptable for a lump and I'd say that to them.

No, I described the lump, they asked for a photo but it doesn’t really show anything as it’s underneath the skin you can grip it if you know what I mean.

As you didn't know what to expect I hope this helps! I havee been to the doctor twice for different lumps, years apart.
My experience has been: physical examination by the doctor, reassurance they 'weren't worried, but refer to breast clinic to be safe'. Both times it turned out to be nothing. Took two weeks to get an appointment the first time, three days the second time for a breast scan but this might be different depending the area you're in/your doctor/the current pandemic so be prepared to have a follow up appointment which may be soon/may be a little while away and don't panic about either as in my experience they're not really indicative of the condition. I always hyperventilate and panic if my doctor actually reacts to a problem I have as usually they give you a 'go home and rest and see what happens' response. My favourite GP is a bit more 'better safe than sorry' and makes me panic with immediate appointments.
It's hopefully nothing and breasts are weird fatty lumpy things in general (hope no one takes offense 😂).
I know it's really scary and your mind races with all of the worst case scenarios so try to distract yourself if you can and insist your doctor sees you, it's probably nothing but the anxiety and worry it'll cause while you 'wait and see' just wouldn't be good for you.
Best case scenario it's absolutely nothing but you have some appointments to check and make you feel better.
Worst case scenario you get some excellent care and staff looking after you ♥️

Some brilliant advice on this thread OP. I've nothing practical to add other than to say I'm sending you positive thoughts over the internet and hope you're able to see your GP today. Please keep posing either on this or a new thread to get support and advice if you still feel you need it.

Call GP and insist on an appointment. Hopefully they will refer you for a mammogram then. I had this, was referred quickly, had the mammogram and the lump was confirmed as nothing sinister, just breast tissue. Beware, the mammogram is a bit strange - it is a machine with two metal plates-like things. It presses down and up on your breast so that it can get a good picture. It is uncomfortable but very much worth it.

This was me about 3 weeks ago, sounds like the exact same place and everything. Got referred under the two week thing. I didn’t get a mammogram as I am only 30 and that’s apparently too young, but I had an ultrasound and diagnosed as ‘benign thickening’. Hopefully something similar for you

You need a referral to a one stop clinic.
Most breast anomalys are benign. The vast majority are harmless.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a lump checked out. Some lumps are cancer.
Most people survive cancer. Most people with cancer have a year of treatment and then move on. The vast majority.
IF it is what you are fearing then it’s perfectly doable. Not pleasant but not too dreadful or unmanageable either.
Outcomes for breast lumps are a good news story.

I'm waiting for the results of a biopsy and the consultant is pretty sure it's cancer. However your lump may not be. If it is you will be treated. Please don't delay.

OP, I am going through the same thing as you right now. Found a lump last week, saw a doctor on Friday, referral came though the same day (they refer all lumps to the breast clinic within two weeks). GP said it felt benign as it was relatively squish, smooth and moveable and would be surprised if it was sinister (I am 28). Just trying to remain calm between now and my appointment - taking comfort in the fact that 90% of breast clinic referrals are benign - so the data is on our side!

Anyone who’s GP is diagnosing lumps via the phone or photos must insist on a referral.

I have had BC and yes it is treatable but the sooner it’s found the sooner you can be treated.

Most lumps are benign and I was just unlucky but your GP will not know that from a description over the phone.

I found a lump a few years ago, dr examined and referred to clinic for scan a week or 2 later. Turned out to just be a fatty lump/cyst. Said they can be quite common. I had it a few years, it has gone now.
Definitely push for appointment though, don't be fobbed off with waiting for next period like previous poster

I had a lump recently. The doctor said she was sure it was nothing to worry about but any lumps or breast changes had to be referred and seen within two weeks. I was referred to one stop clinic where they checked and scanned it and it was a fatty lump. Hope you get a quick and stress free result

Thank you, you lovely lot.

I've been to the GP who examined me, told me she isn't concerned about it and to monitor it. If it's still there in 3-4 weeks, they'll refer me on the two week pathway.

Not quite the outcome I expected or hoped for but I feel slightly reassured by what she said.