Found lump in my breast. AIBU to be a little nervous?

[Turfwars]

Saturday night I found a small pea-sized lump right in near my ribcage. I rang the GP to get an appointment this morning and told myself that I wouldn't worry until I had something to worry about.

Except the receptionists tone changed from matter of fact to very kind and tender when I mentioned the lump, told me not to worry and stay positive and I think the way she took me so seriously has got me slightly worried!

My appointment is on Wednesday morning and I'll likely get referred to BreastCheck as a result. (live in the west of Ireland)

Talk me down, please?

I found a lump two years ago. 9/10 are not sinister. I was referred to hospital and had a manual check, mammogram and ultrasound. It’s a cyst and more common in your 40’s to start getting them. Do not worry yet as it’s a waste of energy until you know more.

I agree with the former poster that most lumps are not sinister. However you still have to do your due diligence and inform your doctor about each lump and ensure it is followed up. After my third benign cyst, I asked the radiologist if I should just assume future lumps are cysts and he said, no, we never assume a lump is benign. We evaluate every lump with radiology. That way, if it is anything important, we are more likely to have caught it early. So try not to worry too much. Just make sure you keep on top of it until you have a solid medical answer.

Thank you Bashful Clam and Aloris.
You are right - I'm happy that the GP will see me on Wednesday morning but not sure how long after referral I'll be waiting for the clinic, but it could be weeks so there's no sense in working myself up about it.

Fingers crossed it's a harmless benign cyst. And I promise I will diligently check any further ones out.

I was in your exact position a couple of months ago. Also in ROI. I got it checked and it was fine - the vast majority of lumps are - but always better to be certain

I went to my gp with breast pain. No lump. Got referred to the hospital. Dr found a lump during the examination that I couldn’t and still can’t feel. Turned out to be nothing. You’ve probably got a little cyst

I've also had two lumps checked out at the hospital and both were cysts. But to echo what others have said, I was told to always get them checked and not assume anything.

Don't know if it's still the case, but they worked to a 2 week pathway I.e. I got an appointment at the breast clinic within two weeks of being referred by my GP. One of the times I went was early in the first lockdown but they still saw me quickly.

One thing I really appreciated at the clinic was both times, I was examined by the consultant first who told me his opinion straight away. So while it was still important to do the scans to make sure, he had already reassured me that it felt benign.

Good luck for Wednesday

Thank you everyone, you're messages really helped. GP examined me this morning, confirmed the lump was in my boob that it's not my rampant imagination. He logged me with Breastcheck there and then and 8 minutes later the referral was completed and I was on my way back to work.

GP says that they usually schedule an appointment within 2 weeks, and can tell me on the day if it's benign or something that warrants further investigation so it's not long of a wait compared to some outpatient services.

@Turfwars dont be suprised or worried if you get a call tomorrow or Monday. I’ve been referred twice and was seen very quickly ( which made me even more anxious) but all was ok.

They turned me around very quickly too. Great to see such efficiency in the Irish medical system 😵

Been there... 90% of lumps are not cancer. Of the 10% lots are treatable... But it doesn't stop you worrying and two weeks can seem ages.

It's been three weeks now so I rang them. The timeline that I have is 4-5 weeks from referral so in the next week or two at the latest I'll be seen.

I got the all clear.
Statistically that was the likely outcome but I'm very relieved all the same.

Great news 🥂

its a big relief for sure

Good to hear :)

Great news!