3 worrying symptoms in one breast - GP wasn't concerned

[TorquayHotelWindow]

Sat here wondering what to do. I'm 38. About 2 weeks ago I noticed some tenderness on one side, didn't think much of it, expected it to subside but it didn't. This was mid-cycle so not something I would ever experience at this point (I usually get tenderness and swelling in both breasts just before period).

Fast forward to last week and the pain remained. A bruising type pain, hurts when pressed, and it felt heavy and sore (still does). So I was seen by a lovely GP on Thurs who examined me, said no lumps present, pain isn't usually anything to worry about, probably just hormonal, wait and see if it goes away after period starts (I'm due on in the next few days).

But then on Thurs eve, I noticed a tiny amount of discharge from the problem side (again, not normal for me) - it was similar in consistency to dental plaque, not runny at all, more of a 'piece' of discharge, and whitish in colour.

This worried me as it was a new development, so I went back to GP on Fri (different one) and she again had a good look but didn't seem too concerned about it or the fact that the problem side was now a whole cup size bigger. She just said, it's normal to have asymmetry. I stressed that it wasn't normal for me, but again, just recommended a watch and wait approach, see how it is after the next period.

Nothing has really changed since Fri, though I've not had any more discharge. The problem side is still sore and swollen. I've got an appointment for in a week's time, by which time my period should have taken place.

But naturally, I am concerned. In my head that's 3 worrying symptoms: pain, swelling and discharge. So why the relaxed approach, with no further investigation? It's obviously reassuring that the last GP I saw didn't panic, but was she too relaxed? What else could it be, if not something sinister? Has anyone ever had similar that turned out to be something fairly easy to sort, or resolved on its own?

We get it drummed into us, as women, to monitor ourselves closely, report changes. I think that's why I'm feeling so worried about it. AIBU? Should I relax and trust the doctor's experience more than my own inner alarm bells?

I find it surprising that your GP is so blasé about it. I’ve had breast changes before, and whilst they’ve always reassured me it’s probably hormonal or a cyst, I’ve been put on the two week pathway regardless. Once, my symptoms had cleared by the time I went to my appointment. It sounds like you have a cyst that potentially is infected, but a specialist appointment should be a matter of course to rule anything else out!

It is definitely NOT normal for one breast to increase in size in a very short period of time.

I'm not a doctor but it certainly sounds like you may have some type of infection. Could you try another appointment and this time make it clear that there was rapid swelling of one breast? Emphasize pain, nipple discharge, swelling...

Thanks PP, I may well end up asking to be seen sooner, and mention the two week pathway, if they are still reluctant to refer. I agree, it does seem blasé.

I think they were looking through a lens of breast cancer symptoms, which those aren’t.

If, after your period starts, you still have tenderness it’s worth going back. But I wouldn’t be panicking about it at all. They don’t sound like an urgent concern, just something to keep an eye on.

I'd be very concerned and would get a second opinion and pay for a scan .

I would be concerned it’s mastitis- really not nice and needs urgent treatment. Don’t wait till you have a fever 😞

But it doesn't sound like it's being ignored, just that watchful observation is at the moment considered the most appropriate course of action, with a follow-up appointment already planned?

I mentioned mastitis to the GP and she said it doesn't present like it. But I wonder if PP might be on the right lines - maybe an infection of some sort is present and does need treatment. I think I'm just going to have to go back tomorrow, and make clear what I'm worrying about - I feel so anxious about it all now.

Changes to size, tenderness, and discharge are breast cancer symptoms.

OP, I'd go back and insist on being referred. If the GP won't refer you then tell them you want to see a different doctor. It's highly likely nothing to worry about but it's the sort of nothing that shouldn't go unchecked just in case it actually is something.

I think you're right. This has been on my mind - all my worrying signs and symptoms that we get told never to ignore. I will just have to ring up tomorrow and try and get seen. These symptoms aren't shifting, they're abnormal, and the worry is affecting my life now - I need to get this across. If I ask for a referral am I likely to get one? I rarely visit the doctor unless I'm really worried about something. I do have an appointment for in a week's time but a week is a long time to be worried and suffering with the unrelenting tenderness and swelling.

Bruising type pain and a more flaky type discharge weren't my understanding of the symptoms. I've been throught he two week pathway roundabout a few times because of family history but Imight be misremembering.

My experience has also been that if you hit any of the obvious markers they are SHIT HOT at sending you down the referral pathway for breast cancer. Crap at many, many other cancers, but not breast cancer.

Thanks for your insight - it's reassuring to think that they wouldn't waste any time in referring. I'm definitely going to try and get seen asap. It's ridiculous how much bigger one side is to the other, I've never seen anything like that on me 😢

Sorry you’re going through this. Trust your gut. Push for more to be done.

is there a history of cancer in your family? (Sister has breast cancer, but her first symptom was a lump) I used this once to push for a smear and it worked.

good luck

Please do insist on being referred. Hopefully it’s nothing but always better safe than sorry. I was told my lump was likely nothing but it turned out to be very aggressive cancer. I’ve heard of too many incidents of non-typical symptoms. I’m sure it’ll be fine but best of luck.

Thank you for the replies and well wishes everyone. I went to see a 3rd doctor today, she didn't hesitate in referring me...to the urgent breast cancer clinic. She actually said she could feel two small 'swellings' (that the other 2 doctors didn't). She said cancer lumps don't appear overnight, but didn't say what they might be. She didn't give much away, just said I'm to go to the appointment, and I could take antibiotics just in case it is an infection that is causing these changes.

I've never dealt with anything this troubling before and I'm feeling absolutely terrified. It's a relief to be finally taken seriously, but the places my mind is going...

I have started taking the antibiotics and hoping against hope it is something that can be fixed by them.

I'm glad you were persistent and that the doctor has referred you for further evaluation. Try not to panic. I went through the process last summer and I can't lie...I was a nervous wreck! In my case it turned out to be two benign cysts but I do fully understand the anxiety of going through the diagnostic process.

Hopefully you don't have to wait too long for your appt. Take care.

Really pleased you got another opinion . It's worrying that 2 doctors thought there was no concern yet the third luckily did make the referral . . It's probably nothing to worry about but always best to check.

To put your mind at ease, I was referred on 2w pathway after finding a lump and my GP found two more lumps on examination. The clinic was a one-stop shop where they do all the tests there and then so I had a chat/medical history/height, weight and blood pressure with a nurse, then she had a feeling, then doctor came in and had a feel. After that I went for a mammogram followed by an ultrasound. They said they'd do a same-day biopsy if needed but the mammogram and the ultrasound didn't pick up any abnormalities, showed just normal breast tissue. The doctor said that the lumps he could feel appeared to be just part of my normal breast tissue and that this is why it's important to be familiar with what's normal for you and get advice when something is outside of that normal.

I hope your appointment comes through soon and you can ease your worries.

My mum had this and it turned out to be a whopping big cyst that needed to be drained.

Thanks - it's good to read that some cases end up being ok in the end! 🙏🏼

That's really reassuring. Thank you x

Thanks so much for your kind words it means a lot.

You absolutely did the right thing pushing for a referral - it's worrying that two other doctors didn't see the need to get you checked at the breast clinic though 😬

Hopefully everything goes okay - I think something like 90% of referrals on the two week pathway end up not being cancer.

Ugh the worry is eating me up but I know I'll feel better once I have that appointment date. I'm a bit frustrated that I am a week behind because the first 2 doctors didn't refer me but at least I was quick off the mark as much as I could be. Thanks for your words of support, means a great deal and I'm so glad your issue turned out fine x

Have you tried a cold compress or anything on the breast? I had something similar years ago and it was a blocked gland/duct