Hand hold needed- I've found a lump

[Itssnotunusual]

I've recently found a lump. It's right on the join between my rib/ sternum towards top of my chest, you can see it if I wear vest top. The lump itself feels like bone, sticks out a little less than a centimeter and seems to taper back into my rib after about 5 centimeters. Its not smooth either.

I saw the GP today who has felt the lump and done a breast exam. Her exact words regarding the lump are 'I'm not sure what to make of that:. Because of the location of the lump I've been referred to a breast clinic and should have an appointment within 2 weeks. Where I will likely have another breast exam, an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. Though I'm not sure if a breast clinic is the right place if the lump is on my rib?

To be perfectly honest, I'm shitting it. I have a 16 month old. I'm 23, so I know cancer is statistically less likely. I also have two different friends the same age who have had cancer diagnosis (cervical and salivary gland) in the past year.

I don't know what I really want other than some words of reassurance

Hey OP, I don't have any advice just didn't you to feel alone. Im the same age as you and have a toddler also :)

If the breast clinic isn't the right place I'm sure they'll be able to send you to the right department but hopefully they can do a biopsy anyway, really hope it's nothing serious or that it's something easily treatable

Sounds like a sensible GP.
I’m a veteran of the breast clinic. It’s a good place.

There can be so many causes of a bony lump on your rib cage. The fact that two friends have been diagnosed, although unnerving, is irrelevant. That doesn't increase your chances. If you've not been really fatigued and been losing weight unintentionally as well, then it is very unlikely that you have anything seriously wrong.

Yes, there can be many causes. My friend had a similar sounding lump which turned out to be a cyst. Sebaceous cyst I think she said.

Sorry, not meaning to drip feed, I am currently about 11lbs/ 5kg lighter than I would usually expect to be. In fact I'm lighter than I was at about 16.

I really hope you are okay. Don't worry about that weight loss for now. You are running around after a toddler so it's quite normal to lose weight then. I'm glad you're being seen quickly.

Try not to worry, OP. Will keep fingers crossed all is well, it could be any number of things as has been said.

I know the wait won't be easy.

I know this sounds ridiculous as the GP has looked, but it's not your xiphisternum is it? I had a similar panic the first time I noticed mine.

It's not! This is right at the top of my ribcage and is asymmetrical too the other side

Ah, sorry, I had the wrong place. I've recently finished breast cancer treatment so I'm paranoid about lumps and bumps!
I hope all goes well for you.

Did you ever get an answer for this?

Hiya, yes it did! It turned out I have lost a lot of breast tissue from one side of my chest post baby and with breastfeeding thus making one side of my ribcage more prominent