Is it v risky waiting 2+ weeks to check breast lump with GP

[ATinyBitScared]

I found a lump in one of my breasts a few days ago. I can't remember when I last checked them so I don't know how long it's been there - I do it fairly frequently but not regularly IYKWIM.

Trouble is I'm abroad with work and won't be home for over 2 weeks. I haven't told anyone in RL. I've no other symptoms of anything being wrong but it's fairly big. My boobs are v small so I can actually see the lump in the mirror. When I lift my arm up and down, the lump moves up and down too - not even sure if that's relevant.

Can anyone tell me if I'm putting myself at huge risk by waiting until the first day I'm home to see my GP? I could probably try to see a doctor in the country I'm in, but it will be quite complicated and I'm not sure how much they can do here. I'm guessing I'll need to be referred to a breast clinic/for scans.

A few things I've read say it can sometimes depend on waiting to see if the lump goes after one menstrual cycle, so I'm kind of hoping that means I have some leeway.

I'm so busy at work I'm not thinking about it during the day, but at night I'm feeing v scared and it's really getting to me. I can't believe this is happening when I'm not at home.

How old are you OP?

Is the lump solid or soft?

Usually when lumps move it's a good sign, and most certainly can be down to your cycle.

What about an online GP service? You can be 'seen' over Skype and the GP can give you a referral to the breast clinic. The appointment should be through around the time you get home.

Have you phoned your doc? He could set up appointment for referral and then if you found straight away when back, cancel?

Agree that you should ask for referral for your return. I found a lump once and after seeing gp he said the referral would be through within two weeks. So if you did this then you'd be no worse off.

I agree with the others. Phone your gp now and hopefully he or she can refer you for when you are back.

Thank you all so much. Evie I'm 40 and the lump is hard. The thing is, my boobs are quite thick anyway - like I say they're v small but (sorry if this is TMI) if I bend over and feel them when they're hanging down, I've always been able to feel thick parts inside them. But the fact I can see it in the mirror when I hold my arms back is freaking me out a bit.

It bloody never occurred to me to ring my GP. I will do that right now. Btw, forgot to mention I'd NCd so thanks again for all your replies.

I would go wherever you are or try and get home early?

I would go wherever you are or try and get home early?

Good luck! Have you managed to phone?!

Sorry for not updating. I spoke to my GP (who I love and think is excellent) and she said to wait until I'm home and see her first thing on the Monday. She asked lots of questions about the lump.

She said she'd have to see me first before referring, but that she can fast-track me if necessary. Also that because I'm young (in relative terms I guess) it's very unlikely to be serious.

I'm at peace with that now and I'm doing well not stressing too much during the day. I know I'll get anxious in 2 weeks but right now there's nothing I can do.

Thanks again, I'll update when I've news.

That's good news then. Stay positive and let us know how you get on

Just a quick update.

Saw the GP yesterday. In case anyone wants to know what happens, she just got me to lie back on her bed, naked from the waist up, with my hands clapsed behind my head IYKWIM. She said it's the easiest way to check.

She could see it straight away without me even showing it to her. I know how ridiculous this sounds, but I was kind of glad it was still there and that I wasn't making a fuss over nothing. How silly is that really.

Anyway, she doesn't think it's serious - straight away she said she thinks it's a fibroadenoma (sp?) or maybe a cyst. But she said she'd refer me to a consultant (I'm not in UK so private healthcare with Health Insurance is quicker) as it would need to get checked. I'd probably have a mammogram and ultrasound and maybe they'd take a sample. She got out a measuring tape and measured it and poked around a lot. She said it's good that it's mobile and not very hard.

Anyway, she said I'd probably hear within 10 days but the appointment just came through in this morning's mail which has freaked me out a bit that it's come so quick. I've a mammogram next Wednesday afternoon (19th - not tmrw) and then see the consultant straight after.

I'm still ok mentally - if it's anything serious I'll get the shock of my life, but hopefully if it is, I've spotted it early enough. I'll let you all know how it goes - thanks again for all the help already.

Thx 4 update.

I found a visible lump. Had an anxious wait. It was nothing to worry about. (Similar age to you.) I am no expert but I wonder if a change in the skin and fat of your boobs makes lumps that have always been there more obvious? (Of course you should always get checked!)

Don't worry about the fact the appointment came through quickly. The clinics tend to boom in the appointments as soon as they get the referrals through.

@ATinyBitScared what did this ever turn out to be?