I found a lump

[aodirjjd]

Sorry you probably get hundreds of these on the board. I’m only 35 and found a breast lump when showering today. I’m shit scared and just really worried that I won’t get seen quickly because the nhs is such a mess right now. I’m going to call gp in morning and beg for an appt.

do all lumps get referred to breast clinic or is there chance doctor will poke it and say it’s not needed ? Are people still actually seen in two weeks if a referral is needed ? I’ve spent all evening googling private breast scans trying to get an idea of costs because I can’t bear the idea of waiting weeks for a referral that is delayed or some other drama like lost test results. Has anyone done this? It seems initial appt is £250 which I could afford but I wasn’t sure how much biopsy’s etc might run too. If I’m seen with nhs do I have to wait ages for any results or can they give me all clear quite quickly from breast clinics?

I’ve got a holiday in 6 week that I’m desperate to go on as well. I know logically this lump is almost definitely nothing and I’m really upset that if I don’t get seen quickly I might struggle to get travel insurance.

Go to GP in the morning, they will see you and refer to the breast clinic. Don't panic until you know what it is... it's likely to be benign.

My GP told me that for every 100 women they refer, 1 case of cancer is found. Given your age it’s extremely unlikely so please don’t panic.

Do either of you know how long it will take me to get that all clear? I don’t know how to cope with waiting.

You should be seen within two weeks. Make sure your GP does the referral tomorrow.

I've been a few times. Always referred under the 2 week pathway, always a one stop shop where everything is done in the day. Consultation, mammogram and ultrasound. It's a very efficient service.

Most lumps get referred. Even if the doctor suspects it’s a cyst. You should be seen with in two weeks, and often it’s a one stop shop. You should still be able to go on holiday ( don’t forget to inform insurance of tests et ).

Breast lumps are taken very seriously. Highly likely you'll have a mammogram and ultrasound within 2 weeks of seeing your GP. If it looks like it could be cancerous they'll likely do a biopsy there and then and you'll have the results within a week. However in my experience the doctors and radiologists know cancer when they see it on a mammogram and ultrasound and will tell you straight away what they think it is.

Impossible not to worry but it is most likely not cancer.

Thank you for your assurances. I had visions of 6 weeks waiting and stress hence the Googling private clinics. I really hope I can see my gp tomorrow it’s a real battle just to get through.

OP,

I’ve been through this very recently and I was seen within 16 days. I’m a similar age to you. I first saw the consultant who asked about family’s cancer history and then did a breast exam. He was quite sure that there wasn’t anything to worry about.Then I headed over to radiography for a scan, as I was under 40 they didn’t do a mammogram as between the consultant and the sonogram they could see that luckily it was a cyst.

One thing I found helpful was the NHS App, I was able to keep checking it to see if my appointment had been set up, saved waiting on the postman. Also my test results showed up on there before my GP wrote to me.

Good luck x

What happened to the lump? Do benign lumps tend to disappear or do I just have this unnerving thing hanging about ?

My lump is still there, it’s not giving me any bother and as long as it doesn’t change they’ll leave it. I imagine for some people they might need a cyst removed, but in my case they just said to leave it.

I had cysts drained, it’s quick and easy.

I have recently found a lump in my armpit. Saw the gp after a week, he had a good feel of it and said he doesn't think its anything sinister and that they don't scan lymph nodes until 3 weeks anyway. Once I hit the 3 week mark I am going to ask to see a different gp.

I’ve been referred twice, always seen within 2 weeks in the one stop clinic.

What a horrible wait im sorry.

I found a lump 2 years ago. The GP refused to refer me as they said I was young, my breasts were lumpy anyway and to wait a month to see if it was related to my menstrual cycle. In that time it got bigger so I saw a different GP who made me wait 2 weeks to again see if it was hormonal because they didn't think it felt suspicious.

Finally got referred and was seen at the breast clinic exactly 2 weeks after referral. At this point the lump had started to shrink and the consultant told me immediately there was nothing at all concerning and most likely had been an inflamed milk duct. I had a quick ultrasound and went home feeling quite embarrassed for making a fuss.

Vast majority of breast lumps are nothing to worry about. Hope you get a quick referral for peace of mind and that all goes well.

Thank you for the assurance. The wait must have been awful even if it turned out to be right call in the end!

out of interest were you younger than me? (I’m 35)

I have had to be referred about 4 times, lumpy breasts! All been clear. Only the first time did I have to have a biopsy. Other times have been cysts, some of which have been drained. GPs were confident they were cysts but still referred me under the 2 week pathway. Only time it took slightly longer than 2 weeks was during lockdown. One cyst was over 8cm, felt like I had gone down a bra size after that was drained!

Hope it goes okay for you.

I have only had mammograms since I hit 40. Always had ultra sounds.

I was 31. And yes it was quite a frustrating wait! I was only really worried just before appointments thankfully and was quite reassured by the GPs. If they feel something concerning they are upfront about it.

Best of luck with the GP today.

You should be seen within 2 weeks but due to your age they might not do a mammogram, it will be an ultrasound. They might also do a biopsy. I have been to the breast clinic three times over the last few years (I'm older than you so did have mammograms). At two of those visits I was told on the day what they suspected it was, although I did then have to wait a week for it to be confirmed. One was a benign fibroadenoma which I still have, it's just there. Another was a cancer diagnosis but they gave me a good idea of that on the day and also what treatment would be needed. My latest visit they couldn't tell me on the day so I did have a 6 day wait for results. The wait is the hardest bit. Please be reassured that 3 out of 4 referrals are for benign reasons and every nurse and doctor at the breast clinic will treat you well. I have nothing but praise for all the treatment I have received in two different clinics, I felt very looked after. Good luck with your appointment.

Breast clinics are usuly very quick and in my experience all breastfeeding lumps get referred on 2ww. I would go through your gp. I have been seen twice like that, turned out to be cysts and then dried milk after having baby

I had a lump, saw the GP within a day or two (can’t remember) and was referred under 2WW. It was a hormonal cyst, I was 38.

"All brest" lumps, not breastfeeding

Have been calling gp repeatedly and not even been able to join a queue. It’s either engaged or auto forwards me onto nhs 111. :( 36 attempts and counting

Do you have an online option, where you put in your symptoms and you get a call back or appointment booked @aodirjjd