Lumpy Breast worries

[silver73]

After having children I was left with one lumpy breast. I went to the breast clinic years ago for mammogram and ultra sound where I got the all clear and told to go straight back to them if had trouble within the year - which I did not.

However, I have started to have shooting pains in the lumpy breast so am very worried especially as I cannot check for lumps as it already has lots. I'm thinking of asking for an ultrasound as I cannot check myself....

I know this is a strange question at this stage but is there a national guideline for how long a woman should have to wait for a mastectomy should she need one or how long have to wait for radiotherapy or chemotherapy?

Hi there,

I can't answer your specific question but do know that once you see your GP if you are referred to a specialist you get your appointment within 2 weeks. This would be for the ultrasound/mammogram/any other tests. As I understand it some Breast Clinics are like one stop shops so you get the results on the day or very soon after so I guess 3 weeks max from GP to results.

Timescales after that I don't know I'm afraid but I wouldn't have thought there were any delays other than more tests to make sure the treatment plan was correct.

I am sure other people will know more but hopefully this is a start.

I am lumpy too so know how difficult it is to check. I wouldn't let your mind race ahead though. The pains could be numerous things not necesarily cancer. Also, most lumps are nothing to worry about either.

I would get to the GP asap, to start the process of putting your mind at rest.

You can just ask your GP for a breast exam rather than jumping straight in and asking for a referral as they'll know what are normal lumps and what are abnormal.

Hi thanks for your replies. I did see the GP about an ear infection last week and mentioned it but she said not to worry and go back to see her if the pain had not gone within the month. Don't think a breast examination would help as last time I had one at the GPs she said she could see what I meant and referred me straight away so she could not tell what was ok and what was not from the breast exam.

When I saw my GP she said she refers pretty much everything. Sometimes she will say to come back in 2 weeks to see if it goes away in case it's hormone related but I think a lot of GP's refer to be on the safe side.

The good thing with the ultrasound is that the radiographer speaks to you all the way through telling you when he/she can see.

Am sure it will be fine but I know it's a worry. Just pop back to GP and take it from there.

Thanks just seen gp and have got a referral to breast clinic for Tuesday but Breast Clinic is not a one stop shop anymore just a 15 minute appointment with the doctor. I am very upset as the doctor will be able to feel the lumps but unless they have x-ray eyes it won't help move things on. I then have to have another appointment for tests a while later..so prolonging the misery.

Can I ask to be referred to a hospital with a one stop shop breast clinic?

Hmmm I'm not sure....firstly though it will be a specialist at the breast clinic who will have much much more experience and will know more what to look for than your gp. So you will be moving forward. They will still more than likely send you for an ultrasound too just to check.

However, I know exactly how you feel so if I was you I would use Google to find my nearest breast clinic that was still one stop shop and then I would call gp and ask if my appointment could be moved. I don't know if they would do this but its worth a try. Explain how anxious you feel.

Do any of the lumps feel like they have changed or it is the pains that are worrying you?