To ask you to tell me reassuring stories about underarm/breast lumps that were harmless?

[Grobagsforever]

Sorry but am freaking out. I'm 39 and lost DH at 35 to bowel cancer. Two small kids.

I have a soft, fatty, mobile lump in my armpit. I first noticed it shaving maybe a month ago. I thought it was a skin reaction at first to shaving e.g ingrown hair but now it's still there and is under skin.

Everything I've read suggests a cancerous lump would be hard and immobile.

I will call GP tomorrow and see how I can get it checked at current time. My rational brain says it's almost definitely fine. I have no risk factors. But because DH died of cancer young my brain has been freaking out all weekend.

Reassurance gratefully received.

I've had one and the doc says it was hormonal- still cones and goes a bit. That being said you have to get it checked out by a pro- it's almost certainly nothing though

I've had something like that loads of times. The first time I completely freaked out but it was just an infected gland. Antibiotics sorted it every time.

I had one like that in my armpit, turned out to be a blocked lymph node. Getting it checked out is the best way to stop the terror.

Thank you both. I don't have other infection symptoms though, would I have a fever?

I found something similar about 18 months ago. Like yours, it was mobile which my GP said was a good sign. She referred me to the breast unit at the hospital, as is standard, where it was examined and I had a mammogram. It was a harmless cyst which they drained while I was there. Apparently I have lots of small cysts so it's quite likely I'll feel a similar lump again, but they were clear that I should always get it checked rather than assuming it's another cyst.

So definitely get checked out but hopefully it's a cyst like mine.

I'm sure I heard something like 9/10 of breast lumps are harmless cysts but always best to be checked out to be sure. Cancer treatment is still on.

Thank you again, these anecdotes do help. Trying to manage anxiety in front of DC on lockdown is really hard!!! Leaving them motherless terrifies me.

Yes, I've had a couple. The first time I was terrified but it was just a cyst.

I had a big ol lump that I found at 38 weeks pregnant. It was about the size of a golf ball. Like yours it was smooth and mobile.

I got referred to NHS breast clinic but given the time issue, I went private and was seen the next day. The consultant said right away on feeling it he didn't think it was anything sinister. I went through for an ultrasound and it turned out to be a benign cyst that they drained there and then.

Fingers crossed you have the same experience

I had similar which turned it to be a reaction to deodorant.

I've had this three times over the last few years - turns out I'm just 'lumpy' to quote the doctor at the breast clinic - each one has been a cyst in the breasts. Hopefully you will be ok as well.

I found the breast clinic great at reassuring people so definitely get it checked

Many years ago, I had a similar lump in my armpit. I massively overthought it while waiting for the GP appointment, going so far as to outline to my Dh that I thought he would need a live in nanny, who ought to have our bathroom and en suite and he could have the spare room and share the kids bathroom. He was quiet for a while and when I asked him, what was he thinking, he said he was thinking he would probably get ride of the big mirror opposite our bed and replace it with a TV. . Apparently he felt I was being dramatic.

Anyway GP had a feel, diagnosed an ingrown hair/angry follicle. It cleared up by itself. Hope yours is the same!

Seems big to be an ingrown hair..but I guess it just swells up??

Yes I was thinking I'll try the private route, insurance might cover it and we all have enough to worry about with Covid!

@autummboys..I did actually nearly get a live in nanny when DH died but then realised that would drive me bat shit crazy :)

I had underarm one, didnt even think it could be cancerous !! It went away...

@Hannah021 oh! How long did it stick around?

I've had several underarms with no fever and frequently get cysts but all have always been harmless despite seeming like lumps at first. If I saw the Gp each time I got one I'd be there several times a month.

@bettybattenburg That's interesting. Pretty sure this is my first

Yes, 3 people
My mum - fatty lump
Step mum - cyst
Friend - fatty lump

It must be terrifying but honestly Op, so many people have lumps that are not cancerous. Please come back and let us know how you are x

I found one once on holiday, sounded very similar to yours and was so worried. Once I finally go home and to the Dr he had a feel and advised me to squeeze it in the shower and 'muck' would come out. I though he was mad but right enough when I tried it that's what happened! I actually don't know what it was, but it was obviously nothing serious.

I'm so sorry about your dh, no wonder you are terrified. Hoping you can see someone soon and hoping that appointment will allay you fears.

I found a breast lump 15 years ago on my honeymoon. On return went to the GP and was referred to the breast clinic. I had my appointment a few days later and had a ultrasound guided biopsy. I went back 2 weeks later for the results and it was benign but they said they would do surgery to remove it if I wanted. I still have that lump and it's a bit bigger in size.

@Grobagsforever i think two weeks. It did hurt a bit, so i assumed blockage. Very stupid cuz cancer runs in the family

I had one - it was a blocked milk ducts. I am breastfeeding a buts it’s common for them to re inflame after you’ve been stopped a while

I've had 1 removed, sounds like you have the same symptoms, I had mine removed under local anaesthetic and all was fine.

I had a blocked lymph node. About the size of a pea. Got it checked out, went away after a month 👍