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Original poster

Lumpy Tit

97 replies

Nervous1971 · 18/05/2016 15:04

I'm 44 and have had a few symptoms over the last few months: painful boobs before period, thinning pubic hair (wtf!), headaches, anxiety, loss of libido.....last month had a week of cramps before period started (a few days later than expected). Almost as soon as period had finished I found a large lumpy area in left tit. Spent the night assuming I was dying :( Went to female gp who did exam. She said I had a lot of glandular tissue that side and I should go back in 30 days...BUT I'm worried...any advice? I do suffer from anxiety....

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Original poster
Nervous1971 · 18/05/2016 19:00

anyone??? :(

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ThinkPinkStink · 18/05/2016 19:03

If you're not happy with the GPs diagnosis, see another GP (or the same one again).

In all likelihood the GP is right and you're fine - but I'd rather be a pain in the ass than have the GP miss cancer.

NK346f2849X127d8bca260 · 18/05/2016 19:04

Could be the perimenopause starting, all of the symptoms you have point to it. My breasts got more lumpy during peri too.
Do keep your appointment though.

NK346f2849X127d8bca260 · 18/05/2016 19:06

And again if you are worried book another appointment with a different doctor.

Fragglewump · 18/05/2016 19:10

I posted on a similar thread last week. I've found very large lumps in my breast twice and been referred to the breast clinic each time. A hugely high proportion of breast lumps are benign (over 90%) A lot of women between 40 and the menopause develop cysts in their breasts which cause lumps and are often painful. The advice is to take a high strength evening primrose or starflower supplement every day as this can reduce the impact of hormonal fluctuations on your breasts. The 30 day wait is to see if it resolves naturally after a period. The chances of it being anything grim are very very low but if you are frantic then ask for a faster referral. Good luck!

Original poster
Nervous1971 · 18/05/2016 19:14

thanks all.....have made an appointment for a months time...will try not to panic

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FitLikeQuine79 · 18/05/2016 19:16

I found a lump in my breast when I was in my mid 20s and GP said in all likelihood it would be harmless because of my age but I was still referred to the hospital to be on the safe side. Her diagnosis was correct but I'm so glad I had those hospital tests. I would go and see another GP if you're not happy and put your mind at ease.

ThinkPinkStink · 18/05/2016 19:27

I know it's hard, but do try not to panic - as pp have said the likelihood of it being anything nasty is super slim, but your health is important so keep asking until you're happy!

validusername · 18/05/2016 19:57

Cancerous lumps do have a different feel to them to glandular tissue.

Breast change with age, as you approach menopause your breast become less glandular and more fatty. So the bits of glandular tissue you do have left can feel more apparent and are noticeable. And it is very responsive to hormones so can change every couple of weeks depending on where you are in your cycle.

Try not to prod and poke it too much as this can cause it to swell. The best time to check your breasts is in the shower, and always with a flat hand, not fingers as you will always feel lumps if you poke with fingers.

If after a month you are still worried then go back to the gp.

Original poster
Nervous1971 · 22/05/2016 13:35

A question, some lumps go when a period starts..but when exactly, the first day of the period or by the end of the period. I still worried :(

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Original poster
Nervous1971 · 22/05/2016 16:34

I think I have cancer... i have a really bad feeling about this. still have 1.5 week wait for dr follow up appt.....it's taking my brain over....ConfusedConfusedConfusedConfusedConfused

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whatamess0815 · 22/05/2016 16:56

ring GP tomorrow and ask for a referral. don't wait another 1.5 week (there will be another 2 weeks of waiting for the breast clinic and your will just stress yourself out).

I had the same thing recently. GP1 said glandular tissue on one side and to came back after one month. I didn't waut but saw another GP the next day and got referral. it was just breast tissue in my case but I was really stressed out about it and would have coped with all this waiting. good luck.

Original poster
Nervous1971 · 22/05/2016 18:28

thank you for responding. sounds just like my case ( i hope)

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validusername · 22/05/2016 20:42

Normal breast tissue will respond to hormonal changes in your body. Cancer does not.

Hopefully you can go to a breast clinic and have an ultrasound of the area you are worried about. And hopefully you can be reassured that it is just normal you.

Titsywoo · 22/05/2016 20:46

Your symptoms sound very much like peri menopause ones to me. Of course get checked out but a lumpy area is more likely to be hormonal. Cancerous lumps are generally hard, defined and irregular.

mishmash1979 · 22/05/2016 20:48

Go to GP tomoro and ask for referral. I am goi g through this and it was only on the 3rd GP visit that I broke down and they referred me. I went to breast clinic last week (2 week wait) and although no lump, they found an area on feeling that was firmer. Ultrasound ok but biopsied just in case. I am beside my self with worry (although consultant seemed not worried) and wish I had saved myself an xtra 4 months of worry and just asked to be referred in February. Stress DEFINITELY makes the breast pain worse too.

validusername · 22/05/2016 21:28

Mish did the consultant explain to you what they thought this area was? They should have, even if just to put your mind at rest.

If they thought it was cancer they would have said, and believe me a cancerous lump is very easy to detect by ultrasound once you know what you are looking for.

Iknownuffink · 23/05/2016 01:33

To be blunt.

You need to have a mammography on both breasts.

IF and it is a BIG if.

You will undergo more tests. None as painful as the mammography.

Early detection is essential.

Three years on from having a mastectomy, no reconstruction,no chemo or radiotherapy. My life is a bonus

mishmash1979 · 23/05/2016 07:21

validusername; no consultant didn't say what it could be. I stupidly read too much Google and as I have pain too I know that not all cancers can be detected by ultrasound. I had a small lump that she said was fatty tissue near my nipple but it was barely visible on ultrasound.

validusername · 23/05/2016 10:02

Breast pain isn't usually a sign of breast cancer.

A fatty lump would usually be what they call a fibroadenoma. It is protocol to biopsy all of these in women over the age of 25 so I wouldn't worry too much.

In my experience if they think it could be cancer then they will tell you at the ultrasound that it looks suspicious.

Original poster
Nervous1971 · 24/05/2016 09:05

seeing doctor today. can't begin to explain how scared I am. I know its bad. I don't have the strength to get through a cold sometimes let alone.....getting spotting and no period...prob stress

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Original poster
Nervous1971 · 24/05/2016 12:03

dr said it was not specific lump but a lumpy area and it was not fixed but movable....she has referred me to brighton breast clinic....i'm in a daze. how do you get through the waiting? anyone?

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Original poster
Nervous1971 · 24/05/2016 17:42

:(

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fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 24/05/2016 17:49

Really try not to Google. Have just been through this. reading worst case scenarios does not help

chewingawasp · 24/05/2016 18:03

I am in a similar position and am waiting for my referral appointment too. The waiting is hard and I can't really offer any tips to make it any easier I'm afraid. I have found that the tamoxigang crowd are really supportive on their thread if you wanted to chat there too.