AIBU to not know if this is health anxiety or genuine worry?

[EmilyRosiEl]

I've noticed a small red spot-like thing on my left breast- it's the size of an acne spot but has been there for at least a week and doesn't seem to be a normal spot. It does almost disappear if I press it so it's probably unlikely to be anything nasty. I only noticed it in the mirror as I am an F cup so I don't know how long it's been there but it has been there for at least a week.

I've also got weird bumps on the nipples of both breasts- I realise that's normal in pregnancy but I'm not pregnant and have not yet been.

I have managed to work myself up to worry that there might be Inflammatory breast cancer on my left breast but I also unfortunately struggle going to the GP.

Do you think I'm panicking unnecessarily? I think I'll make a non-urgent appointment for next week as I can't book one for today now.

A red spot which goes away when you press, isn't likely to be anything dangerous. The signs of inflammatory breast cancer are -

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include swelling (edema) and redness (erythema) that affect a third or more of the breast. The skin of the breast may also appear pink, reddish purple, or bruised. In addition, the skin may have ridges or appear pitted, like the skin of an orange (called peau d'orange).

Make an appointment if you are worried, but I doubt it's anything to be concerned about.

Addit - most women have bumps on their nipples, not just when they are pregnant. Nothing to worry about.

Oh thanks Stella, that's really reassuring! I looked up inflammatory breast cancer and noticed itchy breast and red spot on breast as symptoms and just panicked. I think I might make a routine appointment just to be sure.

Still a bit worried- it will have been there for at least a fortnight on Thursday and apparently can be an early IBC sign- think I'll book to see GP this week.