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Original poster

Worried about breast symptoms-taken a lot of courage to even wrote this down

42 replies

PeachLemon · 01/09/2024 19:33

If I write my symptoms down would you be able to give an honest opinion?
Left breast only
Irritable skin around nipple area
Red sore tip of nipple-looks different to the other
Sometimes seeing staining in my bra, and sometimes this is also on the nipple as well
Very sore to touch, for example car seat belt feels very uncomfortable if it brushes over it
Larger area of left nipple is bigger than the right, looks almost like it the skin there is stretching over something
No visible lumps, no pain,no bleeding, no overall difference in breast size, no obvious difference in the actual skin on the breast.

OP posts:
scrimpton · 01/09/2024 19:36

I know it's daunting, but you really need to book in with your GP and get it checked. There are many things it could be, most of which are not serious. You will only know for certain by seeing a doctor!

Kitkat1523 · 01/09/2024 19:37

Don’t be asking random people on MN who know no more than you…..gp appointment on Monday ……wishing you well

GrazingSheep · 01/09/2024 19:38

You know you need to get checked asap.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

General health Women's health
Prawncow · 01/09/2024 19:38

Please go and see your GP. Whatever it is can’t get better on its own. The quicker you’re seen the better the outcome.

tothelefttotheleft · 01/09/2024 19:42

The people at my local breast clinic are really really lovely.

You need to get this checked out.

IsthatyouKateAdie · 01/09/2024 19:50

I recognise how hard it is to look in the face something that scares you. Writing it down here was actually a good step because you are starting to face it. There's a very good chance it's something easily resolved, and your GP will start the process of identifying and treating it. They might well give you an urgent referral- don't read too much into that. And you know that if it is something properly nasty everything is easier if caught early rather than late. You've taken the first step, call the GP tomorrow, tell the receptionist what you are worried about and they'll do their best to fit you in quickly so they can either set your mind at ease or start dealing with the problem. Best of luck.

Landlubber2019 · 01/09/2024 19:53

Well done for writing this all down! You did well🙂.

Now phone your GP get an appointment and put your mind to rest.

spottydinosaur · 01/09/2024 19:54

Please get it checked. I had something similar and the doctor was so sympathetic & kind as she could tell how scared I was. In the end it was an abscess that needed a double dose of antibiotics to get rid off.

I know how scary it is but please pick up the phone tomorrow & even if they don't ask you say I need to be seen today due to changes & discomfort in my breast.

lightsandtunnels · 01/09/2024 20:01

Oh OP I really feel for you. Breasts can cause so much anxiety. If there is a problem then it's not going to go away. Please go to your GP. Breast services nurses and Drs are fabulous people who will take care of you whatever problem you may or may not have. I speak as a BC survivor and I thank my lucky stars that I was brave 5 and half years ago and went to my GP. I found a lump btw - my symptoms were not the same as yours. It's really hard to take that first step but be brave and do it. Remember it could be completely fine. Sending massive hugs x

Endlessstoryoffinancialnumpties · 01/09/2024 20:11

Nipple discharge is in itself a symptom that needs checking out by the GP …please remember that the majority of people seen by a GP do not have breast cancer but if you are one of the unlucky ones there are many effective, curative treatments these days and early diagnosis means far more options. Sending hugs (3 x GP referrals to breast care clinic over the past 15 years and all negative so far,cross fingers!)

Springadorable · 01/09/2024 20:14

You've got this. Phone the GP in the morning (or even better if they have an online appointment system copy and paste your symptoms into that). The GP will want to see you and assuming you aren't breastfeeding or some other obvious reason for discharge will almost certainly refer you to the breast clinic on the two week cancer pathway. This is a good thing! It means you'll be checked properly and quickly. So don't panic when they do that.
I've been referred twice for lumps and both times it hasn't been cancer.

outdamnedspots · 01/09/2024 20:58

scrimpton · 01/09/2024 19:36

I know it's daunting, but you really need to book in with your GP and get it checked. There are many things it could be, most of which are not serious. You will only know for certain by seeing a doctor!

This. Obviously.

Pebbles16 · 01/09/2024 21:19

You have really done a great job writing this down.
I know the next step might be super scary, but please speak to your GP or a nurse (if you are more comfortable).
You have to navigate the receptionist. The easiest way to do this is to say "I am concerned about my breast health". If they ask further questions, you repeat "I am concerned about my breast health". You don't have to answer any questions.
Repeat with a phrase that feels comfortable to you.

You will likely (hopefully) be put on a two week pathway. This is a GOOD thing. It means you will have an expert appointment and appropriate scans quickly. It's called a cancer pathway but is ever hopeful to eliminate cancer

Bimblesalong · 01/09/2024 21:23

You’ve done so well asking for help about this. Please do contact your GP tomorrow as others have said.

in so many cases it isn’t cancer but if it is, the sooner it’s found the faster it can be dealt with. mine was picked up on early screening 💐

weegiemum · 01/09/2024 21:40

Well done for posting and taking care of your health! As others have said, contact your gp in the morning and tell the receptionist you are very concerned about recent changes to your breast. Hopefully that should help you be seen soon and referred. When I found a lump last year the GP didn't even want to see me, just referred me on the 2 week pathway.

You will likely be referred to a one stop clinic where they will give you a mammogram and/or ultrasound and take a biopsy if needed, then you go back a couple of weeks later for your results.

I did have cancer, but caught nice and early so I had the lump removed and some radiotherapy- didn't need chemo and am now cancer free.

You'll be in my thoughts - I was terrified but everyone I saw was just lovely (apart from a rather abrupt oncologist) and if you have investigations they will give you a breast nurse you can contact for advice. All the best xx

greenwoodentablelegs · 01/09/2024 21:41

go to the Dr

MiddleClassProblem · 01/09/2024 21:47

If you leave it and it something then you could be in a worse situation.

If you leave it and it isn’t something then you’ll be prolonging your anxiety.

Good luck OP. Just set an alarm to book an appointment first thing tomorrow now and the try to put a pin in the worry as you are already making steps to sort it.

Vanfan · 01/09/2024 21:56

I was in your position exactly 20 years ago this week. I had different symptoms to you and a definite lump which still didnt make me go to the doctors until I worked up enough courage to tell my DH.
Once I did go to see the doctor though it was like a huge weight was lifted and I felt so relieved to just get this thing started.
For me it wasnt good news and I had an operation ,chemo ,radiotherapy - the full works.
But despite being a high risk Im still here after 20 years.

Make the appointment . Good luck OP .

outdamnedspots · 01/09/2024 22:21

Pebbles16 · 01/09/2024 21:19

You have really done a great job writing this down.
I know the next step might be super scary, but please speak to your GP or a nurse (if you are more comfortable).
You have to navigate the receptionist. The easiest way to do this is to say "I am concerned about my breast health". If they ask further questions, you repeat "I am concerned about my breast health". You don't have to answer any questions.
Repeat with a phrase that feels comfortable to you.

You will likely (hopefully) be put on a two week pathway. This is a GOOD thing. It means you will have an expert appointment and appropriate scans quickly. It's called a cancer pathway but is ever hopeful to eliminate cancer

I'm not sure helpful this is, @Pebbles16. Receptionists might have to ask other questions so they know how urgent this might be. You make it sound unreasonable of them to ask, but it's their job.

Original poster
PeachLemon · 02/09/2024 11:27

Thank you everyone for replying, I will definitely make an appointment,I've just recently had a cancer scare, different type-luckily all tests came back clear- but I've had a pretty awful year with regards to work and health and only after I got the test results back did I realise the toll it took on my physical and mental health.

OP posts:
Original poster
PeachLemon · 02/09/2024 17:40

I have contacted the GP and have an appointment for Thursday

OP posts:
DaveWatts · 02/09/2024 17:42

Well done! I know it's scary but it's important to get it checked.

My cancer presented as just a patch of raw skin on one nipple - fortunately I caught it early and treatment was very straightforward.

Prawncow · 02/09/2024 17:50

Excellent.

I’m sorry you’re having a tough year. By posting this thread you’ve probably encouraged at least one lurker to go and get something checked out too.

jackstini · 02/09/2024 17:52

Well done OP - will be thinking of you
Good to get it checked

GalileoHumpkins · 02/09/2024 17:57

You have to navigate the receptionist. The easiest way to do this is to say "I am concerned about my breast health". If they ask further questions, you repeat "I am concerned about my breast health". You don't have to answer any questions

I think that's bad advice, when I was concerned about a lump I told the receptionist and she got me an appointment the same day. There's no need to be coy about this kind of thing.