breast lumps-no explanation. But not cancer.

[PartyConfused]

Can anyone help? I have a patch on my left breast that is very very lumpy and grainy. The GP was alarmed (I am also still leaking milk 7 months after stopping bf) and sent me to the breast clinic.
Was seen and sent for ultrasound following week. The scan was quick and only on the patch of skin I pointed out and I was given the all clear.

Now, the issues I've got is that it has only been there for past 3 months. It appears for 3 weeks out of 4 of my cycle (the one clear week was the week of the scan-the week before ovulation). The lumps are so close to the surface I can literally put my fingers around it and pull at it but the examination at the breast clinic was unsure any actual lumps were present as I was told that's not how they examin for lumps. Doesn't matter if I can literally pull it and show them, if it's not felt under the flat of their hand, it's not there.

Now, I want to be reassured and think 'yay! Great!'. But I'm still confused. What is it then? A patch of cysts that come up during those times of my cycle? They can ache and be prickly too. Should I have had a more thorough scan of whole breast? Should someone have given me some kind of explanation? .

Am I a drama queen? My dh is pushing for me to go back to GP. Do people normally get more of an explanation?

If you're still unsure then yes, go back to the GP because otherwise you'll just worry. It's reasonable to want an explanation, or at least reassurance that they've done everything possible to ensure that it's benign.

Btw, I still had milk 2 years after stopping bf ds1 so 7 months isn't unusual.

Go back to the GP or get referral back to the clinic and ask to be seen by the consultant/ staff grade leading the clinic if you are worried. I work in this area and I hate to think of any woman losing sleep over a lump as there is no need. I will say that cyclical pain and lumpiness/ apparent lumps are common but if this is what they think then you need to have it explained.

To answer some of your questions

Yes examination with the flat of he hand is the normal technique, Islands of breast tissue can feel like a lump or very lumpy if pinched but extra attention should be paid to the area of concern.

Ultrasound is not a good screening test for the whole breast so a targeted ultrasound is normal.

Breast tissue can change dramatically throughout a cycle and can also change with age, weigh loss and breast feeding. However you are absolutely right to seek advice on any change in you exam at any time.

Thank you so much.
Linked-i will take your advice