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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Breast lump could it be a cyst ??

61 replies

Rollingstones84 · 19/04/2021 18:14

Hiya , I was just wondering if anyone has had any history with a breast cyst ?... basically I’m panicking like something chronic ! I’m 36 andI’ve found a lump in my breast and since then a couple of smaller ones :/ I’ve been to the gp and she has referred me to the breast clinic . She did mention that it could be hormonal ( as I did mention I’ve felt a bit of pain in the breast near the armpit for months and months but ignored it ) ( thought it was an ill fitting bra 🙄) anyways since then I’ve been touching this boob now sometimes I can feel the lump , the I loose it then I think I’ve found other little ones)🙄🙄😪... Iits quite tender to to touch and afterwards .I have been on cerelle pill since I have had my children eldest is 14 and I don’t have any periods at all. So his didn’t help the doctor at all !.. also ,this breast (left) just feels more muscley, tissuy than my right ?.... I’m just trying to see if it could be hormonal, rather than the worst x if anyone has been through something similar and hasn’t turned out to the worst , this could be great ! Thankyou x

OP posts:
BashfulClam · 19/04/2021 18:30

I have been at the breast clinic today and have been diagnosed with a cyst. The Doctor said if there is pain it is usually a good sign. Please don’t worry as it won’t change anything and the majority of lumps are cysts

username12345T · 19/04/2021 18:37

I experienced a huge breast cyst after doing Pilates. I was also referred to the breast clinic and had a mammogram but it was a cyst and I was prescribed 400mg of Ibuprofen three times a day. (If I remember correctly).

It was a long time ago now OP but I understand the worry and I'm sorry you're going through this. Mine was hard to the touch and big, about the size of an average orange, it also felt round as well. No other lumps. It blew up after Pilates as well, the teacher had us doing balances on our front and it squashed my ladies.

I hope everything goes well. Smile

BashfulClam · 19/04/2021 18:41

Is your gp sending a referral to the breast clinic?

NeverDropYourMoonCup · 19/04/2021 18:43

Could be. I got referred on a two week wonder for a lump that the GP was very worried about when I was about 34.

By the time I got the appointment, the doctor pushed the ultrasound really hard into where it had been, only to say 'well, you did have a cyst, but I've just popped it. Have a routine scan in a month, if that's still clear, let us know if it comes back and I'll do the job properly next time.'

Got another two years before I'm on the mammogram list and I'm still very bumpy on both sides, but no further lumps since that one.

Original poster
Rollingstones84 · 19/04/2021 18:50

Hi could I ask what ur symptoms were of your cyst ?

OP posts:
MrsClatterbuck · 19/04/2021 18:51

I found a lump years ago on a Friday night. Had an agonising weekend until I saw the doctor on the Monday. She told me that she couldn't feel any jagged edges which apparently was good news. I was still referred to the breast clinic. I was examined, had a mammogram and then a ultrasound. They then put a needle to do a biopsy but it dispersed immediately proving it was a cyst. I know how hard it is not to worry but you really can't do anything until you are seen at the breast clinic. It wasn't my 1st visit as I had been referred before for breast pain and for a thickening found by my GP at a routine well woman clinic. I still get breast pain but I have just had my 3 yearly mammogram and it was ok.
Here's hoping you get good news.

Original poster
Rollingstones84 · 19/04/2021 18:51

Yes got my appointment on the 29 th

OP posts:
LizzieSiddal · 19/04/2021 18:55

I’ve had 3 cysts over the past 15 years. Each one was a smooth, lump which was sometimes painful (probably because I kept prodding it!). Each time I was referred to the breast clinic and had an examination and a scan. I also had a mammogram the last time. Each was a cyst and I had them drained, which was instant relief!

Good luck with your appt.

Original poster
Rollingstones84 · 19/04/2021 19:14

Okedoke yes sometimes this feels smooth , then I can’t find it then I think I’ve found another one 🙄... my breast feels very fatty etc the only way I can describe it. Glad yours were nothing serious ! Just wanting it to be a cyst so much and I’m hearing all sorts of stuff that go with cancer or a cyst !

OP posts:
DanaCScully · 19/04/2021 19:17

I had a lump when I was 30. It was a fibroadenoma. Consultant advised it be removed as I was planning a family and breastfeeding.

BashfulClam · 19/04/2021 19:21

I had a really bad pain in my breast then felt a smooth lump. The doctor could feel it. Today it decided to disappear more or less🙄 despite being there the last two weeks.

In the uk area sound she found it it was a small cyst and probably swelled with my cycle. She says I had several small no dangerous cysts.

custardbear · 19/04/2021 19:30

My friend had breast cancer. The lump there felt hard and rigid, didn't get lost in breast tissue
Highly likely to be cysts though, good luck

flossletsfloss · 19/04/2021 19:48

I've had various experiences like yours OP and always been referred to the breast clinic. I have breast cancer in my family (mother, Nan and great aunt although non of them had an aggressive type) and they are always careful with me. I have lumpy, dense breasts and I have found lumps then lost then before. I also get hormonal breast pain. I have lumpy areas that get lumpier and more tender before my period. I don't think you need to worry but I do think you need to get it checked to tick the box. Good luck, try not to worry.

OneRankSuperior · 19/04/2021 19:54

I felt a lumpy area after ignoring breast pain for a few months (like you thinking it was an ill fitting bra). GP terrified me and made me fear the worst - absolutely convinced myself I was dying, hardly slept until my breast clinic appointment. It was just cysts and lumpy breast tissue.

Absolutely you must get it checked out but it’s in all likelihood it’s just a cyst.

LizzieMacQueen · 19/04/2021 19:54

Despite the pandemic, this is one thing the NHS does really efficiently. Breast clinic referral.

Stoptherideiwannagetoff · 19/04/2021 20:00

Hi OP, a positive one here. I have fibrocysytic breasts, and have quite a few cysts - some bigger than others, new ones popping up, old ones vanishing - mainly toward the outer breast and into the armpit. New ones are particularly scary as you never know but I've had the buggers for about 20 years now and touch wood, so far all are harmless. Wired bras seem to make them worse, possibly due to pressure so try and switch underwear for a bit and see if that helps. Good luck!

lanthanum · 19/04/2021 20:03

Could well be cysts. The first time I went, one of the staff at the breast clinic congratulated me on finding the lump and going to the GP - but they then went on to find two more, so I obviously wasn't that good at spotting them! They do come and go, even if you haven't got a cycle.

Alittlebitlostrightnow · 19/04/2021 20:05

I’m another one that had a fibro adenoma. The biopsy didn’t hurt and was over in minutes. Mine hasn’t been removed and if I’m honest, I do find it a bit weird that it’s still there.
It is most likely to be something benign. Good luck OP Flowers

TheBabyAteMyBrain · 19/04/2021 20:08

I'm currently waiting my appointment letter after seeing a Dr about a lump last week. It's good to hear these more positive stories as Dr Google started digging me a grave 😅

I've a hard painless lump which has been hanging around for a couple of months and now smaller lumps further up the breast to the armpit.

Can anyone explain what happens at a breast clinic appointment? I can't seem to find any info online about what to expect.

Original poster
Rollingstones84 · 19/04/2021 20:08

Hi ya oh thsi sounds positive mine is abit lower of the armpit but into the side of the breast . Yes I haven’t helped my self as I rarely check myself, even when I felt the pain :/... but now I’ve made it sore I think it even more as I keep touching it :(..,Thankyou for replying as hearing this like is does sound similar,.... I just hope it is nothing too untoward:(

OP posts:
Original poster
Rollingstones84 · 19/04/2021 20:10

Oh I’m the same I really shouldn’t of Googled it made me 10x worse ,.. I’ve heard they’ll do an examination, then either a scan or a mammogram if not happy they do do a biopsy all in the same appointment x that’s what I’ve heard anyway x good luck with your appointment

OP posts:
Stoptherideiwannagetoff · 19/04/2021 20:21

The breast clinics are wonderful (!) They will take history, palpate the cyst, then mammogram, ultrasound and if needed biopsy all at the appointment. The mammogram is a bit uncomfortable but not painful, damn they squeeze them flat! They'll be very thorough and hopefully you will walk out of there with a positive response!

OneRankSuperior · 19/04/2021 20:21

When I went (private clinic but I assume similar elsewhere?):
-was initially examined by a consultant (laying down with top/bra off - he looked and physically examined my breasts). Told me it seemed like nothing to worry about so that immediately reduced my anxiety!
-mammogram (like an x-ray, involves sandwiching your boobs between two plates in various positions, mildly uncomfortable).
-ultrasound exam of breasts (exactly like ultrasounds when pregnant). Ultrasound consultant was able to give commentary on what he found
-I didn’t need a biopsy but that can be part of process if needed
-but if a wait and then back to consultant to review results, which confirmed no worries.

For me whole thing took about an hour.

mummymayhem18 · 19/04/2021 20:21

I was at the Breast Clinic today. Saw a consultant who gave me an examination and then sent me for a mammogram. Apparently I have a benign lesion. Relieved nothing more serious. Good Luck.

ToastTriangles · 19/04/2021 20:24

I went to breast clinic due to a lump, was small and round, larger than a pea but smooth edges. It didn't have any of the worrying signs but because of knowing 2 people with breast caner I went to the gp for reassurance. They also thought not worrying but referred to breast clinic anyway. I was 37 so they said too young for a mammogram. They did an ultrasound and said it was a cyst and asked it I'd like them to drain it. I said yes and it was surprisingly painless. They said it will feel like the sharp scratch when you have blood taken but for me there was less of a feeling than that. Was all really quick and efficient.

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