Sudden large breast lump. Any reassurance?

[Residentdove2020]

Looking for similar stories. I'm 47 & have had a sudden hard breast 'mass' come up within a week Have never had a breast lump before & been slightly startled at the size & speed it arrived.

GP has measured it at 8cm & I'm on the (THREE!) week wait referral to Breast Clinic. Obviously trying not to panic, but I have lots of autoimmune stuff going on & health is very very poor anyway.

I have a appointment at the breast clinic in two weeks, saw my GP on Thursday. My lump is a little tender and admittedly I've had it a while 😳 the GP didn't seem too concerned.

I'm a lumpy person tho and have had lumps drained and removed in surgery and all have been benign luckily... I must admit as I'm getting older (I'm 43) finding lumps gets more worrying.

Try not to worry if at all poss.... you always say if you worry about something before you know you need to then you just end up worrying twice

@BeChuille

It was! I was joking with the dr that I grow my own breast implant every 4-6 weeks. The only solution is actually surgery to remove the cause but as it’s a benign condition the NHS won’t fund it although it would be a lot cheaper than me requesting an emergency referral every 4-6 weeks for potentially another 30 odd years!

Thanks Monstermissy36. Sorry you're here too in the line. I hope it all works out ok for you.

I agree the worrying is worse as you get older. Particularly when you've just lost someone to cancer.

Like your advice about not worrying twice. I have enough to worry about anyway, so adding this in is pointless. The rational brain is missing a bit right now

That's frustrating Elphame I really hope you don't have to request a referral every 4-6 weeks for drainage Far too stressful.

Impressed with your 100ml. I hope mine's fluid too so I can join in the measuring competition here

Hi, OP. I can sympathise a lot with the autoimmune stuff. Same here.

I have a recurring lump in the breast tissue next to my armpit, which I've had removed once but the NHS won't do its again as it's a benign fatty lump called a lipoma. Was prescribed high strength evening primrose oil.

Like pp have said, over 95% of breast lumps turn out to be harmless. Those are really good odds, and you're doing everything right.

All these lumps & autoimmune crapness can bugger off!

Sorry @JamieLeeCurtains about yours. I too have had a lipoma -on my back- which was dug out in the operating theatre under local. Unfortunately local anaesthetic is never particularly effective for me so that wasn't the best afternoon I've spent Another is coming up next to it on my spine so I might try your high strength evening primrose oil tip! Can't imagine I have a hope in hell of getting it on prescription. Do you have a link? I hope your EPO works it's magic on it.

I use evening primrose oil for my breast limps and find that they also disappear. It’s something to do with hormones, I think.

@Residentdove2020 You can buy high strength evening promise oil from lots of places - or just buy cheap stuff from supermarkets and double the dose.

As the breast consultant said, 'it won't do any harm, may do some good'.

I have autoimmune related issues with joints, skin, thyroid, fatigue. I'm finally being started on Adlimumab. Not great in a pandemic though, but I'm self-employed and can stay indoors mostly and the DC are young adults so independent of me and my fussing.

If you call Bupa they usually get you in front of a breast specialist within 48 hours. Cost would be approx 200-300£ but they can give you a mammogram there and then and a 1-2 week NHS referral for the stage if needed

@Geraniumblue

I use evening primrose oil for my breast limps and find that they also disappear. It’s something to do with hormones, I think.

That's interesting - I do find it helpful too, for the lipoma pain in my armpit.

My lump was found at my mamogram. When you go for the visit to the breast clinic it will be full of women all having lumps. They take a sample from the lump, which isn’t enjoyable. I was told to come back the following week for result, but they rang and told me it was clear a few days later. Hope yours turns out ok. It’s a really stressful time.

Thanks Geraniumblue. I'd be amazed if EPO could tackle my stonker

Ah sorry JamieLeeCurtains I meant a link to show GP so they'll prescribe, but now I think you meant a verbal recommendation? I react to so many supplements but I'll give this a try.

Yes I have all those issues too & need a wheelchair. Unfortunately my ANA was only a weak positive so been lumped with a shitty ME/CFS diagnosis for now so unlikely to get any medical support I hope the Adlimumab works it's magic for you, fingers crossed. Chronic illness + pandemic is shit.

Didn't know that GrumpyHoonMain. Very tempting. Tho it says my local BUPA has the mammography bit at another site & I don't have the energy to move about & need it done all at once.

JamieLeeCurtains Yep, that's two reasons for me to take it now

Thanks Mindymomo. The stress & waiting is horrible. Glad you didn't have to wait long for the all clear result.

Honestly, try it and see. Mine was about half my breast. I also took kelp and vitamin b, although I don’t recommend kelp as too much can mess up your thyroid.

Thanks Geraniumblue I will. Can't take kelp anyway & about to start b1 complex for other stuff so might be helpful. I guess it will depend on what the root cause of the lumps are. Are yours fibroadenomas?

I’ve name changed. I am not even sure what they are tbh- just lumpy breasts. I did some research and found that it’s to do with the peri -menopause and hormones being a bit all over the place.
It used to give me many sleepless nights with anxiety, but the consultant just laughed last time I went and told me that I’d probably see him again soon.

I have a hard breast lump about the size of tip my thumb. Luckily, due to strong family history, I get checked annually. This one is a fibrous-oily-keratin mix that isn't going anywhere soon as there isn't an opening to the skin for it to drain. (If it doesn't disappear in six months or so, I'll look into having it removed.) I've had cysts drained before, too, that have popped up to bother me! (I'm only in my 40s, too.)

Appreciate that Purpleice. That all makes complete sense. Sorry about your anxious nights & yay for your consultant's reassurance

Ooh that's a new one TheClaws thanks for adding. MN is such an education! Sorry to hear about your bothersome lumps. Bodies are so weird.

Just popping back to finish the thread properly, for anyone that searches this in the future.

Breast clinic were great. Took less than 2 hours for consultation, mammogram & ultrasound. Found to be a large cyst & was fine needle aspirated. Lots of very murky looking fluid removed. No follow up needed.

I realise how very lucky I am (this time) & how quickly life can change & health be lost. Like mine. Thanks to everyone who kept me company in the long wait. Hope there are more positive results coming back now.

And @EatsShootsAndRuns Just HOW did I miss your lovely message?! So sorry. Have you had the results of your biopsy back yet? My fingers are crossed for you too.

Great news OP

So relieved for you 👍💫

Great update

@Residentdove2020

That's great news, so very pleased for you. Thank you for your kind words.

I get my results on Monday morning. 🤞🤞