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Painful lump in my 12-year-old daughters breast

5 replies

iwishiwasonacruise · 12/10/2023 15:06

My 12-year-old daughter discovered a lump in her right breast on Tuesday night just before bed. It's a really hard and painful lump, it feels a bit like a chocolate button under the skin and the surrounding area is red. Her breasts are quite well developed, and she started her periods two years ago.

I managed to get a GP appointment on Wednesday morning, and the GP said it is most likely a cyst, she would start her on antibiotics, and she would need to refer her to the breast clinic to rule out anything else, but because of her age, she wasn't sure where to send her.

So I asked what happens now? Because obviously she shouldn't miss out on a referral just because the GP is not sure where to refer her to! The GP said she would look into it and get back to me. But so far nothing…

It can't be right that the GP just doesn't do a referral because she doesn't know how to proceed, surely?

I suppose it's a long shot to ask if anyone has any experience of this? I'm pretty sure you can't self refer to a breast screening unit unless you are over a certain age. And I am sure it probably is just a cyst, but it's not something that should go unchecked.

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Banjobollo · 12/10/2023 15:13

No experience with this apart from myself as an adult (painful lump was a cyst). I would insist on a referral to the main breast clinic in the first instance. At least get on the waiting list whilst the GP checks with paediatric side of things? Surely the ultrasound they would do would be same for a teen as it would be for an adult..

iwishiwasonacruise · 12/10/2023 15:21

Yes that's what I thought, surely just refer to the usual place or at least call them for advice, which she could have done while I was there. I have very generally lumpy breasts, and I know in the past, I've been referred and seen very quickly to rule anything out, so I don't want to hang around too long now. I don't know how long I should wait for her to "look into it and get back to me"...

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Banjobollo · 12/10/2023 15:24

I would call back straightaway so it doesn’t get forgotten. As you say it would only be a phone call. Hope you get some reassurance quickly.

SportyMumOf2 · 12/10/2023 22:14

It’s good she has been checking. You have thought her well! I know my 12 year old had pain right behind the nipple a few months back. She’s just starting to develop back then and the GP thought it was part of puberty to be painful when touched (washing / drying / swim suit ect) or brush against clothing. He referred us for an ultrasound just to make sure it wasn’t anything untoward.

maybe if they don’t know who to refer her to push for an ultrasound. She deserves credit for asking for help! ❤️

Chance2021 · 15/10/2023 23:50

She has breasts it should be a normal breast clinic, speak with a different doctor. I saw quite a few young kids in the breast clinic and I was just 22 myself.

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