Breast lump - no referral?

[Worried321]

DM, 56, two (large) breast lumps - strongly suspect bruising as massive bruise around them . She’s no idea what she did to cause bruise . She has multiple disabilities so I’m full time carer.

Saw nurse practitioner today (we no longer have face to face access to GPs unless serious emergency) . Nurse said - yep, definitely a bruise, doesn’t need seen by breast clinic, it’ll go away .

Surely that’s not OK? Bit bewildered . DM is delighted right enough but I thought all lumps needed a mammogram etc?

That doesn’t sound right. When I had a lump I was automatically referred for further investigations. If the lumps are still there when the bruising fades, tell her to go back

I will do, but I think they have her down as a hypochondriac - she has quite severe mental illness. It’s the fact that it was a nurse practitioner too and not a GP - they said GPs don’t see patients unless very seriously ill . I’m sure that’s fairly unique to my surgery though, chum is a GP and she’s definitely still seeing patients !

I am a nurse practitioner. It totally depends on the charactoristics of the lump.

Nurse practitioners are highly qualified and shouldn’t be thought of as ‘less’ than a GP

The bruising will go in a few days. If the lump persists go back to the GP.
I'm not an expert, but I don't think any of the usual breast cancer indicators that suggest you should get checked for include bruising.

I felt lumps and in my breasts many years ago. I was petrified. GP felt and said straight away it wasn't cancer as cancerous lumps are very hard, like a little stone, which my lumps weren't. Also something to do with whether the lump moves or not but can't remember which way round it was.
So maybe it was clear enough to the nurse practitioner? But if you're not happy ask for a second opinion.

Its tedious and insulting being thought of as 'just' a nurse practitioner, but thats another thread.

When I had a lump I was told to wait 2 weeks, if still there, make another appointment - it went away. They do know what they are talking about

@Letsallscreamatthesistene

Its tedious and insulting being thought of as 'just' a nurse practitioner, but thats another thread.

I can understand that; I’m training as an AHP so I know she’s (almost definitely) got far more primary care experience than the GP (who’s closer in age to me and not that long qualified) ... I’m maybe coming across as a bit rude; just worried about Mum . I’ve got some anxiety myself hence sitting thinking about it when I should be listening to a uni lecture .

Hopefully the nurse is right ... just is expected to be sorting mum out for a mammogram and a bit taken aback that they said no worries at all . It’s definitely +++ bruising though . Mum is chuffed to bits so suppose should focus on that and not worry!

@haveapieceoftoast

Nurse practitioners are highly qualified and shouldn’t be thought of as ‘less’ than a GP

They're well qualified and experienced in some areas, but overall they are not equal to a GP, and it's a bit silly to say that they are, given the huge difference in length and intensity of training and experience.

I am very happy to be seen by the nurse practitioner for most things, but there are occasions when the GP is needed.

We're not the equivalent of GPs, but having our diagnosis questions because we're 'just nurses' is insulting.

OP, as ive said and as PP had said, it depends on what the lump is like. Every lump isnt automatically cancer. I understand you're anxious though.

I would definitely take her back for another opinion in a week or 2. Hope she’s ok

But yes, if the lumps havent changed (note - not totally gone away) in a week or so, do go back.