Aibu in thinking she should have referred Her?

[missmorleyme]

My dsis has been the doctors over a lump that she had found in her breast and the doctor has just given her some antibiotics and told her to come back in a months time if it is still there. For background she told me that 6-12 months ago (she can't remember exactly) she had discharge out of her nipple, her nipple has recently changed colour and last week she found a lump. He doctor had a feel around and said she can't feel anything and that she thinks it might just be a blocked duct (she has not been nor is pregnant). It's took a week and a half to get the appointment and she has been totally blown off. I feel so angry because they are such big warning signs and I feel that a month is such a long time to wait especially with the discharge so long ago (I only found out about that the other day,) I'm so angry with this doctor.

Is the GP aware of the discharge several months ago?

There are LUMPS and there are lumps. Doctors are aware of the difference but given the history I'm surprised he didn't at least do a blood test.

If DSis is worried, she can go back before the month is out.

hera she told the doctor and said that she didn't even acknowledge it. And that breasts are not identical and that's probably why the nipple looks different, I'm pretty sure my dsis knows what her nipple colour usually is especially if she has noticed that it looks different. I think because my dsis is 18 she has just been brushed off as being dramatic and silly. I'm so angry for her.

I'd urge her to get a second opinion. Can she still feel the lump? If so she should absolutely be seen again by another Dr asap.

In our local area, the breast clinic won’t even consider looking at anyone under 30 unless the lump has been there for more than one hormonal cycle OR there is a very strong family history of early breast cancer. Referrals that don’t meet these criteria are bounced back straight away (with a snotty comment).

In an 18 year old, a lump which was breast cancer would be highly unlikely. In my surgery, the process is that we examine the lump and document it’s location, ask the patient to monitor it for 4-5 weeks (the approx duration of one menstrual cycle) and then if lump still present then attend for review so we can refer.

I should also add that the GP has to have observed the lump for more than 1 hormonal cycle, not the patient.

The rules change drastically people over 30 years of age.

If you feel shocked now just wait until you see the wait times for oncologist appointments. I would suggest going private if you can.

Please get her to get a second opinion. Many many years ago my aunt was told she just had a cyst - she didn’t and it didn’t end well.

Even if it’s nothing it’s best to get it checked out in these circumstances.

It sounds like GP is adhering to the local referral pathway.