Help - GP wants to see me in person but this really doesn't sound like breast cancer does it?

[ThankyouAutumn]

Developed what I'm sure is a dermatofibroma on my breast. It's a small, purple lump on the skin (not within the breast I don't think) and I have similar on my arm and leg which have been there years

Did an e-consult anyway as encouraged to, sent a clear picture and description and said I thought it was a dermatofibroma and please could GP just confirm that, and fully expected her to reply by text saying yes just looks benign but she's replied to say to come in for her to assess in person and given me an appointment for tomorrow

Called surgery to check something and receptionist was very sceptical that I'd been given an actual appointment and insisted it must be e-consult but sure it was a proper appointment there booked in for tomorrow morning

I'm very grateful and surprised it's being looked at promptly but was certain it was nothing to worry about even though it's a lump on breast, is this just procedure?

Due to give birth in next couple of weeks and have a two year old so a bit stressed

I know about IBC too by the way but don't think it fits that description either thankfully

I think you are lucky to have such a thorough and conscientious GP. Yes, you will worry from today until tomorrow's appointment. But assuming you get the all-clear, you will be able to not worry at all after that, whereas a e-consultation might have left lingering doubt.

Sounds like your doctor wants to be sure by looking at it in person. Seems thorough more than worrying perhaps?

I think this is good practice by the GP - very hard to diagnose things on a picture and this way you can both be reassured, or referred on if appropriate x

See the GP, let them put their mind and yours at rest by examining it properly.

Consultation by phone and email is all very well for some conditions/situations but not all and it worries (and angers me sometimes being a hcp who HAS to see people in person) that some GPs are to quick to dismiss patients over the phone.

Sometimes you have to see a patient face to face to examine them physically but also to gauge how they're doing in general. For mental health particularly, two family members have just been dismissed with pills when really they need a lot more than that but they are good at hiding their situation speaking on the phone

Yes, I'm very impressed

Had to fill in an e-consult for my DD previously and it wasn't really followed up, they aren't usually so conscientious which is what alarmed me!

But I can see that a lump presenting in breast area is probably one of those things that really needs to be examined even if it's most likely something else

Think of it this way, if you were the GP would you dismiss it as benign off hand without seeing the issue close up? It could have massive health implications for you and also problems for her professionally. It’s likely absolutely nothing (possibly even caused by hormones since you are so heavily pregnant) but GP will just want to be on the safe side to cover both of your arses! Good luck!