Breast lump changed since last check. Should I go back to clinic?

[zippyswife]

I found a lump in my Breast before I was pregnant (am 26 weeks) and left it a while to go to gp. I eventually went to gp who sent me to clinic. They said that there wasn't a lump it was just normal Breast tissue. To me it felt like a lump but I didn't argue. They did an ultrasound and couldn't find anything sinister. That was about 3 months ago. They did say I am high/medium risk for breast cancer due to Family history and told me to return for a mannogram after I'd had the baby (and then yearly mammograms). But the lump seems to have got firmer/harder and more defined. I don't know whether to go back. Is it possible they didnt find the lump in the ultrasound? Am I just being silly/paranoid? I don't know whether to go back to gp for another referral. I don't want to waste everyone's time.

You need to get it checked out, if only for your peace of mind.
Could you phone the clinic and ask them for an appointment? As you're already known to them this might be quicker.
It hopefully isn't anything but you do need it checked.

Thank you. Good idea. I will call clinic.

Zippy, I think you need to go back to the clinic, but be assured that these clinicians are very well experienced in breasts and lumps. They won't have missed anything, and if they gave you the all clear, then you're ok.

I have very lumpy, cystic boobs and take starflower oil and it keeps them smooth. I massage them in the shower also and that helps too.
I pop into my GP so she can reassure me, if they feel particularly lumpy and bumpy, and IMO that's what the professionals are ther for. She doesn't mind.

Don't worry, just make an appointment and take starflower oil.

Congratulations on your pregnancy.

Thank you. I think they are closed now for the day. I will call again in the morning.

Zippyswife...as others have said, go back. It's unlikely they've missed anything but you need peace of mind. When I went soon after DD birth they said to call direct if things changed within six months.

Venus rising... Can I ask your advice? Im 41, had several breast lumps over 8 years all thankfully benign cysts not requiring treatment. I have another lump now, gp has referred me again. Im struggling with this a bit.... If I'm naturally lumpy, how to know the difference between my lumpiness and a real change that I need checked out. I tend towards health anxiety and don't want to panic unnecessarily each time there's a change. I also dont want to waste the Gp time, or the breast clinic. Thanks.

I would ask for a fine needle aspiration of the lump when you go back. It's a less invasive biopsy and safe to perform during pregnancy. That will confirm whether it is cancerous or not as it's difficult to tell with an ultrasound when you're pregnant due to swelling/hormonal changes etc. I found a lump when I was 34 weeks pregnant and the radiographer who performed the ultrasound said it was a blocked milk duct but I pushed for a fine needle test and it turned out to be breast cancer unfortunately HOWEVER the odds of being diagnosed with cancer in pregnancy are 1/3000 so it's extremely unlikely to be the case for you but the fine needle test will give you peace of mind. In my case I'm really glad I found out sooner rather than later though as I'm sure you know from family experience the earlier you are diagnosed the better the long term outlook is. Good luck - hopefully you get the all clear soon so you can relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy

Thank you. I went to the gp. She said she doesn't think its cancerous and has booked me to return back in 3 weeks to check it again. If it's still there she said she would send me to the clinic. Will they do the fine needle aspiration if I ask?

At my breast clinic, you can make a return visit without a referral within two years of your last visit. I would contact the clinic directly and not wait a further 3 weeks. It is probably absolutely nothing, your breasts change significantly with pregnancy as we all know, however, I don't think you need the stress of waiting for three weeks and then possibly another two weeks on top of that for a clinic appointment. I agree with Mika, ask for the biopsy to put your mind at rest. Good luck OP

Thanks all. I will call the clinic on Monday. You're right. I really don't need the stress of waiting for 5 weeks for the appointment.

Do let us know how you get on. My breast clinic is amazing, I am fortunate that my issues are fibrous tissue rather than anything else, but the anxiety is awful, especially when you're pregnant. Remember that if you have a cyst, they can change significantly during pregnancy and can actually be drained via aspiration. My fibroadenoma is huge but apparently the "degenerating" type and it has shrunk. I know this must be hugely stressful for you and it's so easy to say "don't worry", but I mean it when I say try not to, it will only raise your anxiety and I am sure the clinic will see you quickly!

Thank you. I have had benign lumps before (4 I think over the past 20 years) so I'm not panicking too much and the fact that they did an ultrasound at the clinic in the summer. But I do want to get it sorted as I am feeling particularly anxious. Last time I was at the clinic they said I could return for a mammogram after the pregmency but that seems so long to wait (I intend to breastfeed too so I'm thinking I would have to wait till I've finished breastfeeding). Thanks for the advice and support.

I am absolutely sure they will understand your anxiety and take on board the reported changes. They will see you really quickly with any luck. Nobody wants to wait with these things, it's just too stressful and you need the least stress possible atm.

Thank you. I'm scared that they will think I'm being paranoid. The gp that checked my breasts the other day didn't seem to do it like it's been done previously. My
Arms were by my side while she checked and this lump can only be felt while my arm is up if that makes sense. Ill call the clinic directly on Monday morning. I don't really want this dragging onto and over Christmas and throughout the pregnsncy so thank you for the good advice.

Being paranoid about your own body saves lives! Remember that

I have phoned the breast clinic today they have said they think I need to be referred by the gp but I'm waiting for a call back. Thanks again for all the advice.

Goodness, maybe it's different where you live. At mine you can self refer for two years after appointment. I really hope they come back to you and say you can go in.

Well no ones got back to me! I will call again tomorrow.